Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, the renowned Team GB sprinter and Gladiators star, is stepping onto the dance floor for the much-anticipated Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special. Airing on December 25 at 3:55 PM, Aikines-Aryeetey will compete alongside comedian Josh Widdicombe, drag artist Tayce, presenter Vogue Williams, former racing driver Billy Monger, and actress Tamzin Outhwaite. This festive edition promises plenty of glitter and enthusiasm as these stars vie for the coveted Christmas Glitterball trophy.
At 36, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, affectionately known as Nitro from his role on the rebooted Gladiators, is no stranger to the spotlight. He first burst onto the athletic scene as the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year back in 2005, when he made history by clinching gold medals at both the 100m and 200m at the World Youth Championships. "Becoming a Gladiator is another great achievement! A childhood dream come true! You never know what is coming in life, each day is there to be enjoyed and savouring all opportunities is a must! It literally gives me energy and strength! I can't wait to be in the arena and bring Nitro to Gladiators!" he exclaimed at the time of his Gladiators debut, highlighting his zest for this new endeavor.
Aikines-Aryeetey's Olympic credentials only bolster his versatility as he aims for the glittering trophy this Christmas. He represented Great Britain at the Rio Olympics and has multiple medals to his name, including three European golds and two Commonwealth relay golds. Now, with the transition from athletics to entertainment, he finds himself igniting new passions beyond the track.
His presence on Gladiators showcased his athletic prowess and agility, but it also introduced him to another audience. Following his debut as Nitro, Aikines-Aryeetey captured hearts, bringing boundless energy and enthusiasm to every challenge. The show itself revives nostalgic moments for fans who adore the classic segments like Duel and Hang Tough. Despite the adrenaline of competing, Aikines-Aryeetey's involvement isn't confined to physical contests.
This year, he also made headlines on Celebrity MasterChef, where he charmed the judges with inventive dishes incorporating his Ghanaian heritage. His culinary exploits wowed viewers, leading to much debate when he was eliminated just before the finals, with fans crying foul over what they deemed was a "fix." Aikines-Aryeetey discussed how cooking with his daughter, Aubree-Isla, remains one of his joys, underscoring how family life integrates seamlessly with his public persona.
Coming back to the dance floor, Aikines-Aryeetey noted the unique challenges of wearing costumes on Strictly. "I think I'm going to be wearing something that's a little bit tight. The team in wardrobe are like mechanics," he joked, teasing viewers with what to expect from his performances.
Meanwhile, his wife Lauren, whom he married in 2019, continues to provide steadfast support; the couple shares the joys of parenting alongside their little star, enhancing Aikines-Aryeetey's relatable image. He shares glimpses of family life with his over 300,000 Instagram followers, threading snippets of both personal joy and professional commitments, always prioritizing moments of privacy for his daughter.
It's undeniable—the BBC's Christmas Special promises entertainment and festive cheer, featuring personalities across different genres as they swirl around the dance floor. For Aikines-Aryeetey, every spin, every step is not just about winning; it's about celebrating the path he has trodden—a juxtaposition of athleticism, entertainment, and family bonding. Viewers can tune in on December 25 to witness if Aikines-Aryeetey can add the Christmas Glitterball trophy to his impressive list of accolades.
