Harry Aikines-Aryeetey Joins Strictly 2025 Cast

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Olympian and Gladiators star known as Nitro, has been confirmed as the first celebrity contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2025, with the announcement made live on CBBC's Newsround. Aikines-Aryeetey, a multi-gold medal-winning Team GB sprinter and former BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year, previously appeared in the Strictly Christmas Special and is excited to join the main series. The 23rd season will introduce two new professional dancers, Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon. Long-time pro Gorka Marquez will not partner with a celebrity this year, as he is judging on the Spanish version of the show. Strictly Come Dancing is set to return to BBC One and iPlayer in September. Aikines-Aryeetey hopes to bring his trademark energy and speed to the dance floor.