{"id":1955087,"date":"2025-08-12T01:48:27","date_gmt":"2025-08-12T01:48:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=1955087"},"modified":"2025-08-12T01:48:27","modified_gmt":"2025-08-12T01:48:27","slug":"first-strictly-come-dancing-star-confirmed-for-2025-series-and-its-a-gladiator","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/first-strictly-come-dancing-star-confirmed-for-2025-series-and-its-a-gladiator\/","title":{"rendered":"First Strictly Come Dancing star confirmed for 2025 series &#8211; and it&#8217;s a Gladiator"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div>\n<p>THE BBC has announced the first star to take part in this year&#8217;s Strictly Come Dancing.<\/p>\n<p>In fact, The Sun were the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/tv\/35408071\/gladiators-star-nitro-join-strictly\/\" rel=\"\">first to reveal that this famous BBC star would be taking part<\/a>, before it was officially confirmed today.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article__media-img-container open-gallery\" data-index=\"1\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"#\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Strictly Come Dancing 2022 logo with disco ball.\" height=\"540\" width=\"960\" data-credit=\"PA\" data-img=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-763149696_e36440.jpg?strip=all&amp;w=960\" data-caption=\"Fans can't wait for the new series of Strictly to start\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 375px) 335px, (max-width: 520px) 480px, (max-width: 660px) 620px, 940px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-763149696_e36440.jpg?w=940 940w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-763149696_e36440.jpg?w=335 335w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-763149696_e36440.jpg?w=480 480w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-763149696_e36440.jpg?w=620 620w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-763149696_e36440.jpg?w=1880 1880w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-763149696_e36440.jpg?w=670 670w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-763149696_e36440.jpg?w=960 960w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-763149696_e36440.jpg?w=1240 1240w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-763149696_e36440.jpg?w=2820 2820w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-763149696_e36440.jpg?w=1005 1005w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-763149696_e36440.jpg?w=1440 1440w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-763149696_e36440.jpg?w=1860 1860w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-763149696_e36440.jpg?w=3760 3760w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-763149696_e36440.jpg?w=1340 1340w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-763149696_e36440.jpg?w=1920 1920w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-763149696_e36440.jpg?w=2480 2480w\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-763149696_e36440.jpg?strip=all&amp;w=960\" role=\"img\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article__gallery-count-value\">7<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"article__media-span\">Fans can&#8217;t wait for the new series of Strictly to start<\/span><span class=\"article__credit\">Credit: PA<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"article__media-img-container open-gallery\" data-index=\"2\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"#\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Strictly Come Dancing judges awarding a score.\" height=\"640\" width=\"960\" data-credit=\"PA\" data-img=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-951658516.jpg?strip=all&amp;w=960\" data-caption=\"The first Strictly star has been revealed\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 375px) 335px, (max-width: 520px) 480px, (max-width: 660px) 620px, 940px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-951658516.jpg?w=940 940w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-951658516.jpg?w=335 335w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-951658516.jpg?w=480 480w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-951658516.jpg?w=620 620w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-951658516.jpg?w=1880 1880w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-951658516.jpg?w=670 670w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-951658516.jpg?w=960 960w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-951658516.jpg?w=1240 1240w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-951658516.jpg?w=2820 2820w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-951658516.jpg?w=1005 1005w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-951658516.jpg?w=1440 1440w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-951658516.jpg?w=1860 1860w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-951658516.jpg?w=3760 3760w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-951658516.jpg?w=1340 1340w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-951658516.jpg?w=1920 1920w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-951658516.jpg?w=2480 2480w\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/use-21-days-issue-use-951658516.jpg?strip=all&amp;w=960\" role=\"img\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article__gallery-count-value\">7<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"article__media-span\">The first Strictly star has been revealed<\/span><span class=\"article__credit\">Credit: PA<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"article__media-img-container open-gallery\" data-index=\"3\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"#\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Screenshot of CBBC live stream showing a man smiling.\" height=\"396\" width=\"960\" data-credit=\"BBC\" data-img=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/04cab3fe-bf51-4c78-b393-268f7d93fa75.jpg?strip=all&amp;w=960\" data-caption=\"Nitro from Gladiators has been announced as the first Strictly contestant\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 375px) 335px, (max-width: 520px) 480px, (max-width: 660px) 620px, 940px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/04cab3fe-bf51-4c78-b393-268f7d93fa75.jpg?w=940 940w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/04cab3fe-bf51-4c78-b393-268f7d93fa75.jpg?w=335 335w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/04cab3fe-bf51-4c78-b393-268f7d93fa75.jpg?w=480 480w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/04cab3fe-bf51-4c78-b393-268f7d93fa75.jpg?w=620 620w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/04cab3fe-bf51-4c78-b393-268f7d93fa75.jpg?w=1880 1880w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/04cab3fe-bf51-4c78-b393-268f7d93fa75.jpg?w=670 670w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/04cab3fe-bf51-4c78-b393-268f7d93fa75.jpg?w=960 960w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/04cab3fe-bf51-4c78-b393-268f7d93fa75.jpg?w=1240 1240w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/04cab3fe-bf51-4c78-b393-268f7d93fa75.jpg?w=2820 2820w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/04cab3fe-bf51-4c78-b393-268f7d93fa75.jpg?w=1005 1005w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/04cab3fe-bf51-4c78-b393-268f7d93fa75.jpg?w=1440 1440w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/04cab3fe-bf51-4c78-b393-268f7d93fa75.jpg?w=1860 1860w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/04cab3fe-bf51-4c78-b393-268f7d93fa75.jpg?w=3760 3760w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/04cab3fe-bf51-4c78-b393-268f7d93fa75.jpg?w=1340 1340w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/04cab3fe-bf51-4c78-b393-268f7d93fa75.jpg?w=1920 1920w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/04cab3fe-bf51-4c78-b393-268f7d93fa75.jpg?w=2480 2480w\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/04cab3fe-bf51-4c78-b393-268f7d93fa75.jpg?strip=all&amp;w=960\" role=\"img\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article__gallery-count-value\">7<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"article__media-span\">Nitro from Gladiators has been announced as the first Strictly contestant<\/span><span class=\"article__credit\">Credit: BBC<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"article__media-img-container open-gallery\" data-index=\"4\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"#\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Portrait of Nitro, a Gladiator contestant, flexing his biceps.\" height=\"960\" width=\"960\" data-credit=\"instagram\" data-img=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/like-dream-come-true-kind-818750613.jpg?strip=all&amp;w=960\" data-caption=\"Real name Harry Aikines Aryeetey, the star shot to fame on the Gladiators\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 375px) 335px, (max-width: 520px) 480px, (max-width: 660px) 620px, 940px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/like-dream-come-true-kind-818750613.jpg?w=940 940w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/like-dream-come-true-kind-818750613.jpg?w=335 335w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/like-dream-come-true-kind-818750613.jpg?w=480 480w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/like-dream-come-true-kind-818750613.jpg?w=620 620w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/like-dream-come-true-kind-818750613.jpg?w=1880 1880w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/like-dream-come-true-kind-818750613.jpg?w=670 670w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/like-dream-come-true-kind-818750613.jpg?w=960 960w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/like-dream-come-true-kind-818750613.jpg?w=1240 1240w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/like-dream-come-true-kind-818750613.jpg?w=2820 2820w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/like-dream-come-true-kind-818750613.jpg?w=1005 1005w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/like-dream-come-true-kind-818750613.jpg?w=1440 1440w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/like-dream-come-true-kind-818750613.jpg?w=1860 1860w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/like-dream-come-true-kind-818750613.jpg?w=3760 3760w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/like-dream-come-true-kind-818750613.jpg?w=1340 1340w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/like-dream-come-true-kind-818750613.jpg?w=1920 1920w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/like-dream-come-true-kind-818750613.jpg?w=2480 2480w\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/like-dream-come-true-kind-818750613.jpg?strip=all&amp;w=960\" role=\"img\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article__gallery-count-value\">7<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"article__media-span\">Real name Harry Aikines Aryeetey, the star shot to fame on the Gladiators<\/span><span class=\"article__credit\">Credit: instagram<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Fans have been waiting patiently to find out who has signed up to the 2025 series.<\/p>\n<p>The <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/topic\/bbc-one\/\" rel=\"\">BBC One<\/a> dance contest will kick off this <span id=\"022b5495-8383-499c-bde1-de36149150f2\" class=\"suggested-link\">autumn<\/span> with a whole host of famous faces trying to win the coveted <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/tv\/16228103\/does-strictly-winner-keep-glitterball-trophy\/\" rel=\"\">Glitterball Trophy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>On <span id=\"f355bb83-bbfc-4e77-b7b4-9c5eacdcd2c6\" class=\"suggested-link\">this morning<\/span>&#8216;s CBBC, it was announced on Newsround that <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/tv\/22558856\/harry-aikines-aryeetay-gladiators-nitro\/\" rel=\"\">Nitro from Gladiators<\/a> would be showing off his dance moves on this year&#8217;s show.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking about taking part, he said he was &#8220;buzzing&#8221; and &#8220;couldn&#8217;t wait&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s one of those things that you&#8217;re so, so excited about. It is a massive process, but I can&#8217;t wait to be a part of it,&#8221; Nitro told Newsround.<\/p>\n<p>Asked who his ideal partner would be, the Gladiator replied: &#8220;Oh gosh. partners. The thing is, they&#8217;re all such <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/tv\/36036398\/first-look-strictly-pros-alexis-warr-julian-caillon\/\" rel=\"\">amazing dancers<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;And I think from a creative standpoint, they probably all do something different with me.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I might have my eyes on a few. Maybe like a <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/tv\/reality\/15638086\/strictly-come-dancing-jowita-przystal\/\" rel=\"\">Jowita<\/a>, maybe a <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/tv\/19896959\/strictly-come-dancing-pro-lauren-oakley\/\" rel=\"\">Lauren<\/a>, even <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/tv\/36036398\/first-look-strictly-pros-alexis-warr-julian-caillon\/\" rel=\"\">Alexis joining the crew<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But literally, all of them, they&#8217;re all amazing. And I think they&#8217;d all do something different with me, which I&#8217;m just here for.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The star, whose real name is <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/tv\/32473717\/strictly-come-dancing-christmas-special-winners-revealed-tayce-kai\/\" rel=\"\">Harry Aikines Aryeetey, took part in last year&#8217;s <span id=\"aa70aac8-9611-46d6-a69c-27dafaf058cb\" class=\"suggested-link\">Christmas<\/span> Special<\/a>, and impressed the judges so much that he has been snapped up for the main show.<\/p>\n<div id=\"bc-video-6376769867112\" class=\"brightcove\"><span class=\"article__bc_video-caption\">Two huge ex-Neighbours stars in talks for Strictly Come Dancing as they could join Stefan Dennis on the show<\/span><\/div>\n<p>Nitro isn&#8217;t the only <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/topic\/gladiators\/\">Gladiator<\/a> take part in<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/topic\/strictly-come-dancing\/\"> Strictly<\/a> as <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/tv\/30735023\/montell-douglas-pro-dancer-single\/\" rel=\"\">Montell Douglas AKA Fire, was a huge hit on the show<\/a> last year.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking about following in her impressive footsteps, Harry said: &#8220;She did amazing firstly. And I cannot wait to actually pick up the phone and firstly tell her. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;And then say, &#8216;Help me!&#8217;, because it is tough.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Similar to myself, an athlete, putting yourself in that scenario is interesting. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But again, dealing with the highs and lows of each week, the emotional side of things, I think she&#8217;d be someone that I&#8217;ll be able to lean on.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"article__media-img-container open-gallery\" data-index=\"5\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"#\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Screenshot of a man speaking on a BBC CBBC live broadcast.\" height=\"521\" width=\"960\" data-credit=\"BBC\" data-img=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/005254a6-789a-472d-98ce-eb3e8644af2f.jpg?strip=all&amp;w=960\" data-caption=\"The TV star said he was 'buzzing' to take part\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 375px) 335px, (max-width: 520px) 480px, (max-width: 660px) 620px, 940px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/005254a6-789a-472d-98ce-eb3e8644af2f.jpg?w=940 940w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/005254a6-789a-472d-98ce-eb3e8644af2f.jpg?w=335 335w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/005254a6-789a-472d-98ce-eb3e8644af2f.jpg?w=480 480w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/005254a6-789a-472d-98ce-eb3e8644af2f.jpg?w=620 620w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/005254a6-789a-472d-98ce-eb3e8644af2f.jpg?w=1880 1880w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/005254a6-789a-472d-98ce-eb3e8644af2f.jpg?w=670 670w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/005254a6-789a-472d-98ce-eb3e8644af2f.jpg?w=960 960w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/005254a6-789a-472d-98ce-eb3e8644af2f.jpg?w=1240 1240w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/005254a6-789a-472d-98ce-eb3e8644af2f.jpg?w=2820 2820w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/005254a6-789a-472d-98ce-eb3e8644af2f.jpg?w=1005 1005w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/005254a6-789a-472d-98ce-eb3e8644af2f.jpg?w=1440 1440w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/005254a6-789a-472d-98ce-eb3e8644af2f.jpg?w=1860 1860w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/005254a6-789a-472d-98ce-eb3e8644af2f.jpg?w=3760 3760w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/005254a6-789a-472d-98ce-eb3e8644af2f.jpg?w=1340 1340w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/005254a6-789a-472d-98ce-eb3e8644af2f.jpg?w=1920 1920w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/005254a6-789a-472d-98ce-eb3e8644af2f.jpg?w=2480 2480w\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/005254a6-789a-472d-98ce-eb3e8644af2f.jpg?strip=all&amp;w=960\" role=\"img\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article__gallery-count-value\">7<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"article__media-span\">The TV star said he was &#8216;buzzing&#8217; to take part<\/span><span class=\"article__credit\">Credit: BBC<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"article__media-img-container open-gallery\" data-index=\"6\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"#\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Harry Aikines-Aryeetey on BBC CBBC discussing Strictly Come Dancing.\" height=\"535\" width=\"960\" data-credit=\"CBBC\" data-img=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nitro-harry-aikines-aryeetey-1015669359.jpg?strip=all&amp;w=960\" data-caption=\"Nitro made the big announcement on Newsround this morning\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 375px) 335px, (max-width: 520px) 480px, (max-width: 660px) 620px, 940px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nitro-harry-aikines-aryeetey-1015669359.jpg?w=940 940w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nitro-harry-aikines-aryeetey-1015669359.jpg?w=335 335w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nitro-harry-aikines-aryeetey-1015669359.jpg?w=480 480w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nitro-harry-aikines-aryeetey-1015669359.jpg?w=620 620w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nitro-harry-aikines-aryeetey-1015669359.jpg?w=1880 1880w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nitro-harry-aikines-aryeetey-1015669359.jpg?w=670 670w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nitro-harry-aikines-aryeetey-1015669359.jpg?w=960 960w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nitro-harry-aikines-aryeetey-1015669359.jpg?w=1240 1240w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nitro-harry-aikines-aryeetey-1015669359.jpg?w=2820 2820w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nitro-harry-aikines-aryeetey-1015669359.jpg?w=1005 1005w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nitro-harry-aikines-aryeetey-1015669359.jpg?w=1440 1440w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nitro-harry-aikines-aryeetey-1015669359.jpg?w=1860 1860w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nitro-harry-aikines-aryeetey-1015669359.jpg?w=3760 3760w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nitro-harry-aikines-aryeetey-1015669359.jpg?w=1340 1340w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nitro-harry-aikines-aryeetey-1015669359.jpg?w=1920 1920w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nitro-harry-aikines-aryeetey-1015669359.jpg?w=2480 2480w\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nitro-harry-aikines-aryeetey-1015669359.jpg?strip=all&amp;w=960\" role=\"img\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article__gallery-count-value\">7<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"article__media-span\">Nitro made the big announcement on Newsround this morning<\/span><span class=\"article__credit\">Credit: CBBC<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"article__media-img-container open-gallery\" data-index=\"7\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"#\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Nancy Xu and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey dancing in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.\" height=\"640\" width=\"960\" data-credit=\"BBC\" data-img=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/25-12-2024-nancy-xu-958101977.jpg?strip=all&amp;w=960\" data-caption=\"Nitro previously took part in the Strictly Christmas Special last year\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 375px) 335px, (max-width: 520px) 480px, (max-width: 660px) 620px, 940px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/25-12-2024-nancy-xu-958101977.jpg?w=940 940w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/25-12-2024-nancy-xu-958101977.jpg?w=335 335w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/25-12-2024-nancy-xu-958101977.jpg?w=480 480w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/25-12-2024-nancy-xu-958101977.jpg?w=620 620w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/25-12-2024-nancy-xu-958101977.jpg?w=1880 1880w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/25-12-2024-nancy-xu-958101977.jpg?w=670 670w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/25-12-2024-nancy-xu-958101977.jpg?w=960 960w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/25-12-2024-nancy-xu-958101977.jpg?w=1240 1240w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/25-12-2024-nancy-xu-958101977.jpg?w=2820 2820w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/25-12-2024-nancy-xu-958101977.jpg?w=1005 1005w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/25-12-2024-nancy-xu-958101977.jpg?w=1440 1440w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/25-12-2024-nancy-xu-958101977.jpg?w=1860 1860w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/25-12-2024-nancy-xu-958101977.jpg?w=3760 3760w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/25-12-2024-nancy-xu-958101977.jpg?w=1340 1340w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/25-12-2024-nancy-xu-958101977.jpg?w=1920 1920w, https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/25-12-2024-nancy-xu-958101977.jpg?w=2480 2480w\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/25-12-2024-nancy-xu-958101977.jpg?strip=all&amp;w=960\" role=\"img\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article__gallery-count-value\">7<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"article__media-span\">Nitro previously took part in the Strictly Christmas Special last year<\/span><span class=\"article__credit\">Credit: BBC<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, yesterday The Sun revealed how <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/tv\/36230916\/strictly-natalie-imbruglia-delta-goodrem\/\" rel=\"\">legendary Neighbours stars Delta Goodrem and Natalie Imbruglia<\/a> are both in talks to join this year\u2019s Strictly Come Dancing.<\/p>\n<p>The actresses could both end up in the dance contest <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/tv\/35820150\/neighbours-stefan-dennis-signs-strictly-come-dancing\/\">alongside Stefan Dennis,<\/a> who also starred on the Aussie <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/tv\/soaps\/\" rel=\"\">soap<\/a>, who we revealed had signed up.<\/p>\n<p>Now <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/tv\/17651330\/fame-confidence-masked-singer-natalie-imbruglia\/\">Natalie<\/a>, 50, and <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/tvandshowbiz\/34972904\/delta-goodrem-dream-of-singing-at-eurovision\/\">Delta<\/a>, 40, are in also in negotiations with Strictly execs.<\/p>\n<p>A TV insider told us: \u201cTalks are at a point where things could go in a number of different directions but if both celebrities signed up then that would be seen as quite a coup for the show.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDelta and <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/tvandshowbiz\/18986048\/masked-singer-natalie-imbruglia-beat-rip-off-claims\/\">Natalie<\/a> would bring some glamour to the programme, and be some of this year\u2019s most eagerly anticipated competitors.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf all three former <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/topic\/neighbours-2\/\">Neighbours<\/a> stars end up performing, the Strictly dance floor will end up looking more like Ramsay Street.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut the <span id=\"b5aafdeb-2c02-4563-8e72-15b8ff8da74c\" class=\"suggested-link\">next<\/span> 24 hours of discussions between execs and the stars\u2019 reps are critical.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Last year, the show was <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/tv\/32306328\/strictly-come-dancing-2024-winner-chris-mccausland\" rel=\"\">won by Strictly&#8217;s very first blind contestant, Chris McCausland<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The comedian scooped the Glitterball Trophy along with pro dancer, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/who\/dianne-buswell\/\">Dianne Buswell<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>More stars for this year&#8217;s show will be released in the coming days.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-boxout\">\n<p><h3 class=\"article-boxout__headline t-s-border-color\">Strictly 2025 rumoured line-up<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-boxout__content theme__background-color-rgba-20\">\n<div>\n<p><strong>Angellica Bell:<\/strong> A familiar face on British television, Angellica is a seasoned TV presenter known for her work on shows like CBBC and The One Show. She&#8217;s no stranger to reality TV, having recently appeared on Celebrity Big Brother.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Paul C. Brunson:<\/strong> The charismatic relationship expert and matchmaker from Married At First Sight UK, Paul is known for his insightful advice and warm personality. Swapping the sofa for the samba, he&#8217;s tipped to bring a touch of class and intelligence to the competition.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dani Dyer:<\/strong> Rising to fame as the winner of Love Island in 2018, Dani has remained in the public eye with various TV appearances. The daughter of actor Danny Dyer, she&#8217;s reportedly agreed to take part.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Vicky Pattison:<\/strong> A reality TV stalwart who first found fame on Geordie Shore, Vicky has successfully transitioned into a presenter and author. Having supported her friend Pete Wicks on the show last year, it seems she&#8217;s ready to put on her own dancing shoes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ashley Cain:<\/strong> Former footballer and reality TV star from Ex on the Beach, Ashley has more recently become known for his incredible charity work and campaigning. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Stacey Solomon:<\/strong>  Known for her down-to-earth charm and successful BBC shows like Sort Your Life Out, fans are eager to see if she can translate her infectious energy to the ballroom.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Georgia Toffolo:<\/strong> Best known as &#8220;Toff&#8221; from Made in Chelsea and for winning I&#8217;m A Celebrity&#8230; Get Me Out Of Here! in 2017, Georgia is a seasoned reality TV star. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Thomas Skinner:<\/strong> The lively entrepreneur who became a fan favourite on The Apprentice in 2019, Thomas is known for his larger-than-life personality and catchphrase &#8220;Bosh!&#8221;. Despite admitting to no dancing experience, he&#8217;s reportedly &#8220;up for giving it his best shot.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tom Parker Bowles:<\/strong> The renowned food writer and critic, and son of Queen Camilla, is a surprising but intriguing name on the rumour list. A regular on MasterChef, it remains to be seen if his culinary precision translates to ballroom finesse.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sir Mo Farah:<\/strong> The legendary Olympic long-distance runner is considered a national treasure.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink:<\/strong> The former Premier League football striker, famous for his time at Leeds and Chelsea, is another sporting name being linked.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Harry Aikines-Aryeetey:<\/strong> Known as &#8220;Nitro&#8221; from the BBC&#8217;s Gladiators reboot and a former Team GB sprinter, Harry has already shown off some moves on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Balvinder Sopal:<\/strong> The talented actress known for her role as Suki Panesar in EastEnders, Balvinder would follow a long line of successful soap stars on Strictly. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Jake Brown:<\/strong> The winner of The Traitors series three, Jake&#8217;s name has emerged as a potential contestant.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Stefan Dennis<\/strong>: The actor, 66, has played six-times married Ramsay Street lothario Paul Robinson since the first episode in 1985 and now the soap is coming to an end, his schedule is clear.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><em> \u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em> \u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.thesun.co.uk \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>THE BBC has announced the first star to take part in this year&#8217;s Strictly Come Dancing. In fact, The Sun were the first to reveal that this famous BBC star would be taking part, before it was officially confirmed today. 7 Fans can&#8217;t wait for the new series of Strictly to startCredit: PA 7 The [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1955088,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[25173],"tags":[25507,328580,342964,244142,30156],"class_list":["post-1955087","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-artists","tag-bbc","tag-bbc-one","tag-gladiators-tv-show","tag-section-tvreality","tag-strictly-come-dancing"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/First-Strictly-Come-Dancing-star-confirmed-for-2025-series.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1955087","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1955087"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1955087\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1955088"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1955087"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1955087"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1955087"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}