The countdown is on. In just one month, the BBC will begin rolling out the star-studded line-up for Strictly Come Dancing’s 23rd series. And now the first celebrity hopeful has been confirmed.
Seven months after comedian Chris McCausland and pro-partner Dianne Buswell waltzed away with the coveted Glitterball trophy, speculation over the new crop of celebrity contestants has reached fever pitch. Now, the BBC has set the glitter spinning with the announcement that Gladiators‘ star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey will be swapping his arena agility for ballroom brilliance.
Known to fans of the hit sports competition as Nitro, the 36-year-old former Olympian made the reveal on BBC Newsround this Monday (11 August). It marks his second appearance on the Strictly dance floor, following his turn in last year’s Christmas special alongside professional dancer Nancy Xu.
“After the Christmas Special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice!” Aikines-Aryeetey said. “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 at picking up the routines as I am on the track.”
As well as being a Gladiators icon, Aikines-Aryeetey holds a formidable sporting pedigree. He became the first athlete to win gold in both the 100m and 200m at the World Youth Championships, claimed the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award in 2005, and went on to compete in two Olympic Games, earning multiple European and Commonwealth titles.
His Gladiators home turf is a hit in its own right, pulling an average of 5.3 million viewers per episode and dominating the BBC iPlayer charts. The show has already been renewed for a third season, and Aikines-Aryeetey’s fanbase, particularly the 1.3 million under-35s who tune in weekly, could give Strictly’s audience an extra boost.
While the BBC is keeping the rest of the official lineup under wraps for now, rumours are swirling. Reports suggest Neighbours veteran Stefan Dennis, EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal, and TV personality Vicky Pattison may all be lacing up their dance shoes this year.
Many of last year’s professionals, including reigning champion Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Katya Jones, and Gorka Marquez, will return, with Amy Dowden also expected to make her comeback after injury. Two new pros will join the cast, with names to be revealed later this autumn. Giovanni Pernice won’t be returning following a BBC investigation into accusations of ‘abusive behaviour’ from former dance partner, Amanda Abbington. The judging panel, however, remains unchanged, with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke all set to reprise their roles.
The glitter, gossip, and giddy anticipation are all officially underway. With Aikines-Aryeetey already promising high-octane energy, Strictly’s 23rd series looks ready to sprint into the spotlight.
Words by Joseph Jenkinson
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