Strictly Come Dancing has confirmed its first celebrity contestant for 2025 – Gladiators star Nitro.

It was announced on CBBC’s Newsround that Nitro will be competing in this year’s BBC ballroom.

Nitro – real name Harry Aikines-Aryeete – took part in Strictly Come Dancing‘s Christmas special last year.

After impressing both viewers and bosses, the 36-year-old athlete has been invited back for a place in the main series.

Nitro told Newsround presenter Jenny Lawrence he is “buzzing” and “couldn’t wait” to get going in the competition.

The BBC has also confirmed his signing on Newsround’s official website and on Strictly Come Dancing’s social media accounts.

Strictly Come Dancing 2025: Who is Nitro?

Nitro has been among a list of rumoured celebrities for Strictly Come Dancing. He competed in the Christmas special 2024 and was partnered with pro dancer Nancy Xu during the festive episode.

Viewers will remember him for lifting Nancy high above his head during their routine, thanks to his bulging muscles.

Unfortunately, they missed out on the Glitterball Trophy. Drag artist Tayce and pro dancer Kai Widderington were crowned the Christmas winners.

Nitro is best known for being one of the BBC’s Gladiators. He is popular among fans of the show, which sees members of the public going up against the Gladiators in a series of gruelling endurance challenges.

Before his time on the show, Nitro was a professional sprinter. In 2005, he was named Sports Personality of the Year after winning gold medals for both the 100 metres and 200 metres at the World Youth Championships.

Nitro, who was born to Ghanaian parents in Carshalton, London, represented Great Britain at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

 

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Rumoured Strictly celebrities

Nitro is the first celebrity to be confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2025, but there are already plenty of other rumoured names in the mix. They include Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis, The Apprentice’s Thomas Skinner and Love Island star Dani Dyer.

There has also been unconfirmed reports of another Olympian taking part in this year’s series. Sir Mo Farah has also been in talks for the show, it has been claimed.

Check out TV Guide’s full list of rumoured Strictly Come Dancing celebrities here.

Judges and new faces

The BBC has already confirmed this year’s Strictly Come Dancing pros. They include all of the fan favourites, including Dianne Buswell, Amy Dowden, Vito Coppola and Johannes Radebe.

There are also two new pros joining the Strictly dancer line-up this year. They are Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon. American dancer Alexis has already appeared on So You Think You Can Dance? and Dancing With The Stars. Julian, from Australia, has appeared on the show’s counterparts Down Under, too.

Last week, Gorka Marquez announce he will miss a big chunk of this series. Gorka will also not be having a celebrity partner this year.

The dancer has a clash of schedules after landing a job on the Spanish version of Strictly, called Bailando Con Las Estrella. It means he will only be able to pre-record the group dances for Strictly UK and then bow out until later in the series.

The judging panel is remaining the same this year. Shirley Ballas will be back as Head Judge, sitting alongside Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse.

When does Strictly Come Dancing start?

The BBC is yet to confirm when this year’s Strictly Come Dancing will start, although it usually kicks off in September. Last year, the pre-recorded launch show aired on September 14 and the first live show followed the week after.

The series will air every Saturday and Sunday in the run up to Christmas. The 2024 finale aired on December 14. Last year, Chris McCausland and his professional partner Dianne Buswell scooped the Glitterball Trophy.

Read more: Celebrity Gladiators: Strictly star and I’m A Celebrity winner among confirmed line-up for BBC show

Strictly Come Dancing 2025 will air on BBC One this autumn.