Strictly Dream Ends for Gladiators Star
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, the 37-year-old athlete known as Nitro on the revived Gladiators, has become the sixth celebrity to be voted off the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing. His journey on the BBC show concluded on Sunday, 9th November 2025, after he found himself in the dreaded dance-off.
The Fateful Dance-Off
Aikines-Aryeetey and his professional partner, the seasoned Karen Hauer, faced off against RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star La Voix and her partner Aljaž Škorjanec. When the music stopped, the decision from the judging panel was unanimous. All four judges voted to save La Voix, sending the former Team GB sprinter home.
Reflecting on his experience, an emotional Aikines-Aryeetey described his time on the show as a ‘dream come true’. He praised the programme as ‘a celebration’ and directed heartfelt thanks to Hauer. “You've understood my crazy brain. I just want to thank you so much for the time and effort, the hard work that you've given to me. You show up, you turn out,” he said, acknowledging her for giving him ‘an opportunity to shine’.
Hauer was equally emotional in her tribute to her partner. “I am extremely proud. We've had the best time,” she stated. “You're such a gentleman, you're a hard worker, you listen, and you get into those times where I don't know what you were thinking, but you know what? I loved you in every kind of way because of the person that you are, and it was an honour to teach you, so thank you so much.”
Highs and Lows Elsewhere in the Ballroom
While one star departed, others celebrated their survival. EastEnders actor Balvinder Sopal, who had previously been in the dance-off three times, managed to sail through to the next round. Her success followed a vibrant Bhangra-inspired Couple’s Choice routine set to “Sapphire” by Ed Sheeran and Arijit Singh.
However, the night presented challenges for ER and Doctor Who star Alex Kingston. After her paso doble performance, a tearful Kingston revealed she is ‘numerically dyslexic’ – a reference to dyscalculia, a condition affecting the understanding of numbers which the NHS states impacts one in 20 people. She explained that dancing to a lyric-free song proved exceptionally ‘difficult’ for her.
The judges observed her shaken confidence. Judge Motsi Mabuse commented that this was ‘the first time that I’ve felt a little bit of insecurity from you’, noting a significant departure from her usual composure.
Aikines-Aryeetey's main show appearance follows his participation in last year's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special. He also follows in the footsteps of his Gladiators co-star Montell Douglas, who managed to reach week 10 in the 2024 series.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday, 15th November at 6.25pm on BBC One.
