HEARTWARMING: Harry Aikines-Aryeetey makes EMOTIONAL STATEMENT after Strictly Come Dancing 2025 ANNOUNCED him as its first entrant

First Strictly Come Dancing star confirmed for 2025 series - and it's a Gladiator | The Sun

The BBC have revealed the first contestant on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing is Gladiators star Nitro. Taking to X they wrote: “Gladiator, ready? Olympian and Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey aka Nitro is the first celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2025.”

The star is already familiar to Strictly viewers as he took part in the 2024 Christmas special paired with pro dancer with Nancy Xu. On that occassion he lost out to drag star Tayce and her pro partner Kai Widdrington who achieved a perfect score of 40 from the judges for their Cha Cha. “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.

The former Olympian was revealed as a contest during a surprise appearance on CBBC’s Newsround.

He pranked viewers appearing live in the studio disguised as “world-famous choreographer Nicky Trott”.

He claimed he was there to talk about his recent work on a scientific study into the benefits of dancing every day but his disguise was not enough to fool Newsround presenter Jenny Lawrence.

Having been rumbled he then gave the real reason he was there: to tell the world he’s taking part in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing!

The usual judging panel of Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, and head judge Shirley Ballas, will be returning for the 2025 series.

However, some new faces are hitting the dance floor with Julian Cailon and Alexis Warr joining the show as professional dancers.

Olympian and Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey aka Nitro is the first celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2025

Julian is an Aussie dancer who has appeared on Dancing with the Stars Down Under, and Alexis is an American dancer who won So You Think You Can Dance in 2022.

Meanwhile fan favourite Gorka Marquez announced he won’t have a celebrity partner this year as the filming dates clash with his commitments on the Spanish version of Strictly, where he serves as a judge. He will still be involved in the show though, appearing in group dances and returning for the final weeks.