After Saturday’s launch night time of the brand new sequence of Strictly Come Dancing 2025, viewers lastly came upon who the celebrities had been partnered with. Former Commonwealth sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey was confirmed as the primary movie star competing on the Latin and ballroom present and can be dancing with Karen Hauer. You would possibly recognise him from the Christmas particular version of Strictly, however away from the present, he’s an Olympian, multi-gold medal-winning Group GB sprinter, and Gladiators icon. He beforehand received gold within the 4x100m relay on the European Championships and on the Commonwealth Video games. Harry has additionally competed in two Olympic Video games and is a three-time European Champion and two-time Commonwealth Champion.

In 2023, Harry was unveiled as Nitro within the hit BBC sequence Gladiators, however he sadly suffered a gruelling damage which compelled him to withdraw from season two of the present.

Throughout coaching, he suffered a horrific knee damage, which dominated him out for a number of weeks. In accordance with Manchester Night Information, he mentioned on the time: “Throughout coaching for sequence 2 earlier this 12 months, I picked up an sudden knee damage, which suggests I’ll be shifting gears this sequence and sitting out the occasions.

“However don’t fear, I’m recharging and extra energised than ever. You’ll nonetheless catch me bringing the Nitro spirit to your screens, hyping up my fellow Gladiators, and retaining the vitality sky-high. Deliver on sequence 2 of Gladiators.”

Harry mentioned about his damage to Specific.co.uk: “I really feel like I’m again to myself and it’s fairly good to have the ability to give a full account of myself. You simply admire it a lot extra. I used to be simply strolling at that time actually.

“The Strictly staff had been so good in ensuring they took care of me – they’re actually good at altering issues and adapting them for what we will do. They give the impression of being after us. I’ve conditioned myself, I’ve educated, I’ve been capable of do all the pieces nicely. I’m simply so grateful to be again.”

It comes after Recreation of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn withdrew from the sequence for medical causes and was changed by Emmerdale star Lewis Cope.

Strictly Come Dancing resumes on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, twenty seventh October.