Harry Aikines-Aryeetey Confirmed as First Celebrity for Strictly Come Dancing 2025
British sprinting star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey has become the first celebrity officially announced for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The former Olympian and 2020 UK men’s 100m champion was unveiled on Monday, following a playful appearance on CBBC’s Newsround, where he took on the role of a choreographer in a fun sketch.
Aikines-Aryeetey, 36, previously showcased his moves in last year’s Strictly Christmas Special, partnered with professional dancer Nancy Xu. He said, “After the Christmas Special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice.”
The sprinter expressed his excitement about joining the show for the full series. “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.”
Fans eager for more information on the series can find out the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 start date and other updates coming soon on The One Show.
Who is Harry Aikines-Aryeetey?
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is a celebrated British sprinter who burst onto the scene as a junior athlete, claiming gold in both the 100m and 200m at the 2005 World Youth Championships. That same year, he was honoured as BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year.
Though he didn’t quite reach those junior heights as a senior, Aikines-Aryeetey was a key member of the British 4x100m relay team for a decade.
He helped secure three European relay titles and earned an individual 100m silver medal in 2014. His personal best in the 100m is an impressive 10.08 seconds, set in 2013.
In 2020, at the age of 31, he claimed the British 100m title during the pandemic-disrupted championships. He continued competing until 2022 before stepping away from professional athletics.
Since retiring, Aikines-Aryeetey has embraced celebrity life, even appearing as Nitro in the revived BBC Gladiators series.
This announcement signals a fresh and exciting chapter for Strictly Come Dancing, with Harry Aikines-Aryeetey promising to bring a unique mix of athleticism and enthusiasm to the dance floor. Keep an eye out for updates on the show’s start date and lineup.
