After Saturday’s launch night of the new series of Strictly Come Dancing 2025, viewers finally found out who the celebrities had been partnered with. Former Commonwealth sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey was confirmed as the first celebrity competing on the Latin and ballroom show and will be dancing with Karen Hauer. You might recognise him from the Christmas special edition of Strictly, but away from the show, he is an Olympian, multi-gold medal-winning Team GB sprinter, and Gladiators icon. He previously won gold in the 4x100m relay at the European Championships and at the Commonwealth Games. Harry has also competed in two Olympic Games and is a three-time European Champion and two-time Commonwealth Champion.
In 2023, Harry was unveiled as Nitro in the hit BBC series Gladiators, but he sadly suffered a gruelling injury which forced him to withdraw from season two of the show.
During training, he suffered a horrific knee injury, which ruled him out for several weeks. According to Manchester Evening News, he said at the time: "During training for series 2 earlier this year, I picked up an unexpected knee injury, which means I’ll be shifting gears this series and sitting out the events.
“But don’t worry, I’m recharging and more energised than ever. You’ll still catch me bringing the Nitro spirit to your screens, hyping up my fellow Gladiators, and keeping the energy sky-high. Bring on series 2 of Gladiators."
Harry said about his injury to Express.co.uk: "I feel like I’m back to myself and it’s quite nice to be able to give a full account of myself. You just appreciate it so much more. I was just walking at that point really.
"The Strictly team were so good in making sure they took care of me - they are really good at changing things and adapting them for what we can do. They look after us. I’ve conditioned myself, I’ve trained, I’ve been able to do everything well. I’m just so grateful to be back."
It comes after Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn withdrew from the series for medical reasons and was replaced by Emmerdale star Lewis Cope.
Strictly Come Dancing resumes on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, 27th October.
