BBC Gladiators star Nitro tipped for Strictly Come Dancing 2025

Gladiators star Nitro has been signed up to star in the 2025 season of Strictly Come Dancing. The 36-year-old, whose real name is Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, has some prior experience on the hit BBC show.

He was a contestant in the 2024 Christmas special where he was paired with professional dancer Nancy Xu, 33. The pair impressed the judges are were one of the highest scoring couples, scooping an impressive 37 points for their Street/Commercial performance.

The former Olympic sprinter impressed bosses who are now hoping to secure him for a full season of the long-running dance contest - which will be in its 23rd season this year. There are hopes he will be able to work around his busy schedule that relates to Gladiators - which traditionally films across the summer.

While Strictly usually begins airing in August each year, the contestants are secured weeks in advance and immediately begin training in an effort to gain confidence on the dance floor ahead of the live shows beginning.

A source has told The Sun: “Bosses have been desperate to get Nitro on the series for a while. They were in talks last year but couldn’t get the timings to marry up with his work."

The source continues: “He was a huge hit at Christmas prancing around in lycra and showing off his biceps. Producers were also impressed with his dancing."

The source also explained that they hoped Nitro's inclusion could attract a whole new range of fans to Strictly - as bosses are hoping to capitalize on the family friendly success of Gladiators. The Mirror has contacted the BBC and representatives of Harry for comment.

Strictly has continued to draw scorn and scandal in recent years after accusations of abuse by professional dancers and star signings disgracing themselves with ungentlemanly behaviour. Last year, Go Compare singer Wynne Evans raised eyebrows when he ran his hands over dancer Katy Jones.

He later caused scandal during the 2025 Strictly Live Tour when crude comments he made behind the scenes were made public. Fellow 2024 star Jamie Borthwick was engulfed in scandal this month as it was revealed he used a derogatory term to describe the people of Blackpool when the BBC show filmed there.

A dark cloud hovered over Striclty last year when actress Amanda Abbington made accusations she was abused by professional dancer Giovani Pernice. A BBC investigation was held while Giovanni walked away from the show while protesting his innocence.

Fellow professional dancer Graziano Di Prima admitted he kicked celebrity partner Zara McDermott during rehearsals and he left the BBC show.

Strictly is expected to continue this year, with judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood all set to return. It may be the final time that Craig takes up a seat at the table as he has long vowed to quit the series after he turned 60.

With that landmark passed this year, some fans fear he could retire at the conclusion of the upcoming season. However, the star appeared to backtrack on his promise last year.

He told The Mirror: "I have no intention of quitting because it's a fantastic Saturday job that I intend to do into my 80s, as long as I'm still compos mentis, darling! and if I haven't been cancelled before then!"

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