Strictly Come Dancing announce Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey as first 2025 contestant

The first contestant to take on Strictly Come Dancing's 2025 series has been revealed to be Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. The athlete - who is best known as Nitro on the BBC show - appeared on CBBC's Newsround to share the news this morning.

The 36-year-old pranked CBBC audiences by disguising himself as "world-famous choreographer Nicky Trott" before revealing his true identity. He then revealed that he would be taking on the Strictly Come Dancing challenge after making his debut during last year's Christmas special with Nancy Xu.

"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. Let’s hope I’m as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track," he said. It comes after Strictly Come Dancing's Gorka Marquez pulls out of show.

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Earlier this month, long-time professional dancer Gorka announced that he would be stepping back from the BBC show to return as a judge on the Spanish version of Strictly.

"Due to the filming dates this means that I won’t be competing with a partner this year in Strictly but I will be a part of lots of the group numbers and will be back for final weeks of the Show to support the rest of my fellow pros and their celebrities in what is going to be an AMAZING SERIES," he wrote on Instagram.

Gorka will be appearing in the weekly group numbers however and will return to the show permanently from week 11 onwards until the live final. It does mean that he won't be given a celebrity partner this year.

The BBC show's 23rd series is set to begin later this year, with a new line-up of stars taking on the ballroom challenge.

Over the last few months, a number of celebrities have been rumoured to be tackling the dance competition. The likes of former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison, Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis, TV personality Dani Dyer, model Ellie Goldstein and Olympic legend Mo Farah are among those rumoured to be taking part.

Fans can expect two new professionals to be making their Strictly debut this year, with ex US star Alexis Warr and Australian dancer Julian Caillon joining the cast. Sharing the news, Alexis said: "I’ve admired Strictly for years, so joining this incredible family is such an honour. I can’t wait to step into the ballroom, pour my heart into every moment, and share my love of dance with the UK."

Meanwhile, Julian - who appeared on three seasons of Australia's Strictly Come Dancing - added: "Joining the cast of Strictly really is a dream come true. I’ve watched it for years, especially cheering on all the amazing dancers I know and work with who’ve been part of it," adding, “I can’t wait to get stuck in, have some fun, and be part of something special!"

Strictly has been in the headlines over the last week after the show reportedly launched an investigation into claims that two of its stars took cocaine. A source told the Sun, following the breakout news: "The BBC is taking the allegations really seriously. Bosses are aware of the two stars in question and have a duty of care to make sure they’re OK."

They added: "As per BBC policy, the option of specialised professional support is on the table and will be offered. While drug testing won’t happen on the main show, bosses are considering bringing in random checks for the tour next year."

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