Strictly Come Dancing star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey has confirmed his return to a BBC role after injury, saying, “I’m back”.
The fan-favourite Gladiators star recently appeared on the hit dance competition, where he was paired with longest-serving professional dancer, Karen Hauer.
The duo continued to impress the judges with their routines, but soon found themselves in the dance-off against La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec.
Judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke unanimously decided to save La Voix and Aljaž, meaning that Harry and Karen became the sixth couple to be eliminated from the competition.
It’s not the only disappointment Harry has faced in recent months, as the star notably had to pull out of Gladiators season two after sustaining an injury in training, reports the Mirror.
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Harry Aikines-Aryeetey appeared on Strictly this year(Image: BBC/Guy Levy)
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Harry, aka Nitro, explained to hosts Bradley and Barney Walsh: “Obviously you know I’m explosive, I’m powerful. Sometimes I’m too powerful, and I ended up hurting myself. I’ve got a little bit of a dodgy knee.
“But these things happen in sport, you know, when you’re pushing yourself as hard as you do. The pecs aren’t going anywhere – they’re right here. They’re staying here. I need all those Nitro fans out there to give me some energy because I need to recharge.”
Now, Harry has shared a positive update, which will delight many Gladiators fans. In an exclusive interview, the star revealed that he will be back for season three, which is due to premiere on BBC One next year.
“I am back. Nitro [is coming] back. Literally just can’t wait for you guys to see it. It’s going to be amazing,” he said.
“It’s building year on year and our family base is getting older and older. So ultimately, we’ve got new kids, aged five, coming seeing Gladiators for the first time. And then we’ve got the kids that watched the first series a year ago.
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The star has issued an update on Gladiators(Image: BBC/Graeme Hunter/Hungry Bear Media Ltd)
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“It’s just bigger and better and we keep just bringing the vibe, bringing the energy. For Nitro, I think he had been missed without realising. Obviously, we had Epic Pranks, so the fact that he’s back now, it will be really good. It will feel right.”
The news comes after Harry’s Gladiators co-star Jodie Ounsley (aka Fury) joined the line-up for this year’s Strictly Christmas Special. She will be partnered with professional dancer Neil Jones.
Jodie said in a statement: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be doing the Strictly Christmas Special. Being the first female rugby player means a lot to me too. I honestly can’t wait to get stuck in, I’m used to smashing into people so this is definitely going to be a challenge!”
When asked which Gladiator he’d like to see on Strictly next, Harry said: “For the men, it’s pretty difficult. So, I’ll probably rule out all the lads. But I think it’s more so the fact [of] how it would impact them.
“I’d love to see Viper do it, so that people could see who he is, so people can look behind the grimace. I think you’ve just got to get an understanding of what you want to get from it.”
