Olympic champion Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is confirmed as the first contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2025, bringing his athletic prowess to the dance floor.
Exciting news just in! Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, the dynamic star from Gladiators and a proud Team GB Olympian, has officially been named the first celebrity contestant for the upcoming 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing. This marks a thrilling transition as he moves from the athletic track to the glittering dance floor, blending athletic prowess with the vibrant world of entertainment.
Harry’s Olympic Legacy
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey isn’t just any athlete; he’s a trailblazer in the sporting realm. He carved his name in history as the first competitor to snag gold medals in both the 100 and 200 meters at the World Youth Championships.
At just 17, he was crowned the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year in 2005. With such an impressive athletic background, can he channel that same competitive fire into his new dance journey on Strictly?
In a recent statement, Harry shared his enthusiasm: “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 dancefloor. Let’s hope I’m as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.” His eagerness to excel in both sports and dance is palpable, and it’s clear he’s ready to make a splash!
Previous Experience on the Show
Harry first stepped into the spotlight on Strictly during the 2024 Christmas Special, where he wowed judges and audiences alike. His street commercial routine earned him an impressive score of 38 out of 40. Judge Craig Revel Horwood couldn’t help but rave, “I particularly loved the pec-ography, darling. I thought that was lovely at the top.” This positive reception sets the stage for his main show debut.
Throughout the special, Harry demonstrated incredible strength and agility—key traits for any successful dancer. His ability to captivate and entertain was undeniable. It’s not unusual for participants from holiday specials to advance to the main lineup; previous contestants like Maisie Smith and Jamie Borthwick have paved the way, and now it’s Harry’s time to shine.
Judges’ Praise and Anticipation
The judges’ feedback during the Christmas Special underscores Harry’s potential. Motsi Mabuse was all praise, giving him full points and declaring, “What a way to open the show! A lot of energy, a lot of smiles on your face.” Shirley Ballas also recognized his innate talent, stating, “You are a natural-born performer… I thought that was really quite marvellous.” Such accolades suggest Harry is more than ready to take on this new challenge.
As we gear up for the 2025 season, fans can expect to see some electrifying performances from Aikines-Aryeetey. His knack for connecting with both the audience and judges will be crucial for his success on the dance floor.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September, and the excitement is already palpable for what promises to be a season filled with drama, dazzling performances, and fierce competition. Are you ready to see Harry take on this new adventure?
