Harry Aikines-Aryeetey eyes Glitterball glory as Strictly Come Dancing debut nears

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, the Gladiators star known to fans as Nitro, is days away from his Strictly Come Dancing debut. The 37-year-old Olympic sprinter has long been celebrated for his speed and competitive fire, a career that began to shine long before he turned professional. In 2005, at age 17, he was crowned Young Sports Personality of the Year, a recognition that foreshadowed a string of international successes.

That promise evolved into a trophy-laden track career. Aikines-Aryeetey won three gold medals at the European Athletics Championships and collected two Commonwealth Games golds, one in 2018 and another in 2022, establishing himself as one of Britain's leading sprinters of his generation. He also became the first IAAF World Youth Championships sprinter to win gold in both the 100 meters and 200 meters. His athletic fame later extended to television, first with the Gladiators revival and then with an appearance on Strictly Come Dancing during the 2024 Christmas special.

With Strictly Come Dancing season approaching, Aikines-Aryeetey is seen as a potential Glitterball Trophy contender. His combination of elite sprinting speed, discipline, and stage presence translates well to dance, and fans have watched him prove his ability to perform under pressure on television before. The show's format rewards athletes who can transfer competition-tested focus into choreography, and Aikines-Aryeetey has repeatedly shown an aptitude for performing in front of large audiences.

Officially listed in the 2025 Strictly lineup, the Gladiators star is shown as 36 years old and is among a diverse group of contestants from sport and entertainment. The lineup features a mix of Olympians, actors, reality TV personalities, and musical performers, underscoring the programme's aim to blend athleticism with wider entertainment appeal. Aikines-Aryeetey joins the long-running series as it expands its pool of athletes who have transitioned from peak performance on the track or field to performance on the ballroom floor.

Meanwhile, Strictly Come Dancing has drawn considerable attention off the dance floor as Dianne Buswell prepares to compete while pregnant. Buswell, the professional dancer, is 36, and her partner Joe Sugg, a YouTuber, has announced they are expecting their first child, a baby boy due in 2026. An insider told the Daily Mail that there are duty-of-care and welfare measures in place for everyone working on the show, with regular breaks and warm-up periods, and that the rehearsal will be tailored to the pace of Buswell and her partner. The report added that the producers are prioritising safety as the cast and crew return to filming.

There have been competing reports about the rehearsal schedule. The Sun previously claimed that Buswell's marathon Strictly rehearsals went on for ten hours, a claim that insiders challenged, noting that sessions are structured with breaks and rest periods to protect her health and that of her baby. The pregnancy was publicly confirmed via social media posts and a video in which the couple announced they were expecting a son, adding that their first child would arrive in 2026. The post included a touching reveal set to Elton John's Tiny Dancer, which the couple described as a symbolic moment in their journey.

The 2025 series is scheduled to run through late autumn and into the Christmas period, with a lineup that reflects a broad spectrum of talent from sport, entertainment, and media. Never before has a Strictly professional competed on the show while pregnant, making Buswell's participation a historic note for the franchise as it moves into a new season with a refreshed cast and a renewed emphasis on safety and performer welfare. As the competition prepares to begin, Aikines-Aryeetey's return to the dance floor is being watched closely by fans who remember his days as Nitro on Gladiators and his early promise as a young track star who looked destined for continued success.