On the morning of August 11, 2025, viewers tuning into CBBC's Newsround were treated to an unexpected twist: Olympic sprinter and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, known to fans as Nitro, was unveiled as the first celebrity contestant for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. The announcement, which quickly made waves across British media, came courtesy of a cheeky prank that saw Harry don the persona of “world-famous choreographer Nicky Trott” before revealing his true identity live on air.
Harry’s playful deception began with an appearance on Newsround to discuss a supposed scientific study on the benefits of dancing every day. Presenter Jenny Lawrence, however, was not easily fooled. As reported by BBC News, Lawrence quickly saw through the disguise, prompting Harry to drop the act and confirm, with a broad grin, that he would be swapping the track for the dance floor in the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
“After the Christmas Special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice!” Harry enthused, referencing his previous appearance in the 2024 Strictly Christmas special. “I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly family this series and I’m ready to give it all I’ve got. I’ll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let’s hope I’m as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.”
Harry’s athletic credentials are nothing short of impressive. As highlighted by HuffPost and Edinburgh Live, he’s a multi-gold medal-winning Team GB sprinter, the first athlete to win gold at both the 100m and 200m events at the World Youth Championships. His early promise in athletics was recognized in 2005, when, at just 17, he was awarded the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year. Over the years, Harry has competed in two Olympic Games, claimed gold in the 4x100m relay at both the European Championships and the Commonwealth Games, and amassed three European Champion titles alongside two Commonwealth Champion titles.
Harry’s television career has also been on the rise. In 2023, he became a household name as Nitro on the BBC’s rebooted Gladiators, where his speed and charisma made him an instant fan favorite. Unfortunately, a training injury forced him to sit out the most recent series of Gladiators, but his enthusiasm for competition has clearly not waned.
The announcement of Harry’s participation in Strictly Come Dancing 2025 has set the stage for what promises to be a vibrant and energetic season. As reported by BBC News and The Sun, the next three celebrity contestants will be revealed live on The One Show on the evening of August 11, 2025, building anticipation for the full line-up. Strictly is slated to return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September, with episodes airing through to December.
The new season will also introduce two fresh faces to the professional dancer roster: US-born Alexis Warr, winner of So You Think You Can Dance in 2022, and Australian Julian Caillon, a veteran of three seasons of Australia’s Dancing With The Stars. Returning to host the show are Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, while the judging panel remains unchanged, featuring Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Shirley Ballas.
But this year’s Strictly comes with its share of off-stage drama. As reported by The Sun and echoed by BBC News, the BBC has launched an investigation into alleged cocaine use by two unnamed Strictly stars, following reports of drug use on set. The corporation has appointed a law firm to lead the inquiry, underscoring its commitment to maintaining a safe and professional environment for all involved. This is not the only controversy to have dogged the show in recent months. Last year, professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima departed the series following allegations regarding their conduct towards dance partners.
In response to these challenges, the BBC introduced a suite of new welfare measures in July. These include the presence of chaperones in all rehearsal rooms, the addition of two new welfare producers, and enhanced training for both professional dancers and production staff. The move is seen as a proactive step to safeguard the wellbeing of everyone working on Strictly, which remains one of the UK’s most beloved entertainment programmes.
Meanwhile, fans are still buzzing from last year’s historic win by comedian Chris McCausland, who became the show’s first blind victor—a testament to the inclusive spirit that Strictly aims to foster. For Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, the upcoming season is a chance not only to showcase his athletic prowess in a new arena but also to inspire audiences with his trademark energy and determination.
“I’ll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor,” Harry promised on Newsround. “Let’s hope I’m as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.” It’s a sentiment that captures the excitement—and perhaps a bit of the nerves—that come with stepping into the sequined world of ballroom and Latin dance. But if Harry’s track record is anything to go by, he’s more than up to the challenge.
As the countdown to September begins, all eyes will be on the next wave of celebrity announcements and the fresh faces joining the professional line-up. With its mix of sporting excellence, showbiz glamour, and a few behind-the-scenes headlines, Strictly Come Dancing 2025 looks set to be a season to remember.
For Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, it’s another chance to dazzle—this time, not with a burst of speed, but with a twirl, a dip, and maybe even a glitterball trophy at the end.
