The first celebrity contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2025 has been announced: Olympian and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. The 36-year-old, known as Nitro on the BBC show, previously took part in the 2024 Christmas special.
Harry said: 'After the Christmas special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice! 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.'
The full line-up will be revealed on Monday 11 August at 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer. The announcement was teased by the professional dancers in a video posted on Sunday 10 August.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is a former Commonwealth sprinter and Team GB Olympian, having competed at the Rio 2016 Games. He won gold at the 2005 World Youth Championships and was named BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year that same year.
Returning hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be joined by judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas for the new series.
