Strictly Come Dancing 2025’s first star is REVEALED: Gladiators star Nitro set to compete in new series as the show battles a string of scandals

The first star set to compete in Strictly Come Dancing 2025 has been revealed, amid a string of scandals to hit the show.

Olympian and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, known for his alter-ego Nitro, has been confirmed as the first celebrity taking part in the new series, after competing on the Christmas Special last year.

His involvement was revealed in a prank to CBBC Newsround viewers, after the BBC had previously said the first stars taking part would be revealed much later in the day.

Flexing his reputation as a star of Gladiators: Epic Pranks, Harry appeared live in the Newsround studio disguised as ‘world-famous choreographer Nicky Trott’, there to talk about his recent work on a scientific study into the benefits of dancing every day.

His disguise was not enough to fool Newsround presenter Jenny Lawrence though, who quickly rumbled who she was really talking to. 

Harry then gave the real reason he was there: to tell the world he’s taking part in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing!

The star is an Olympian, multi gold medal-winning Team GB sprinter, and star of Gladiators, under his alter-ego Nitro

Harry is an Olympian, multi gold medal-winning Team GB sprinter, and star of Gladiators. 

As a sprinter he has competed at the highest level in the UK since his youth, becoming the first athlete to win gold medals at both 100 and 200 metres at the World Youth Championships, and winning the 2005 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award aged 17. 

Harry has gone on to win gold in the 4x100m relay at the European Championships and at the Commonwealth Games. 

He has competed in two Olympic games and is a three-time European Champion and two-time Commonwealth Champion.

In 2023, Harry was unveiled as Nitro in the hit BBC series Gladiators, and he took part in last year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special partnered with Nancy Xu.

On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Harry said: ‘After the Christmas Special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice! 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.’

The next three celebrity contestants joining the new series of Strictly will be announced live on The One Show at 7pm.

On Sunday it was reported that Natalie Imbruglia and Delta Goodrem are ‘in negotiations’ to take part in the show.

A new report suggests the two Australian stars are both ‘in negotiations’ to appear while another former Neighbours star – Stefan Dennis – is also said to be in the running.

A source told The Sun: ‘Talks 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.

‘Delta and Natalie would bring some glamour to the programme, and be some of this year’s most eagerly anticipated competitors.

‘If all three former Neighbours stars end up performing, the Strictly dance floor will end up looking more like Ramsay Street.

‘But the next 24 hours of discussions between execs and the stars’ reps are critical.’

Strictly’s new series has been hit by a string of scandals in the lead-up to its return, including revelations that the broadcaster had hired a law firm to probe allegations of drug taking by two individuals.

One of the stars involved in the drugs probe was also suspected of drinking while working on the show after crew smelt alcohol on their breath.

The Sun alleged that it was widely known that the pair, who have not been named, took the Class A substance, and that one of these Strictly performers were known for being a drinker.

The publication have now reported that junior members of the team were asked to keep an eye on them during last year’s show and to look for signs that they may have been boozing during work hours.

Over the weekend, a staffer also claimed they were offered cocaine by one of the show’s stars.