First celebrity confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2025
He's a familiar face!
It's that time of year again! With September fast approaching, fans are counting down the weeks until the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing begins, and now bosses are starting to reveal this year's celebrity contestants.
After taking part in last year's Christmas special, Gladiator Nitro, real name Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, is the first famous face announced!
Strictly bosses wrote on social media: '#STRICTLY... ARE YOU READY?! Gladiator Nitro is our first celebrity reveal! @aikines is back in the Ballroom for 2025 🏅'. (sic)
Speaking about his in involvement in the show, he 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."
As well as appearing on Gladiators since the show was rebooted back in 2023, Harry is also an Olympian, and a multi gold medal-winning Team GB sprinter.
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.
Harry was paired with professional dancer Nancy Xu during the 2024 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.
Check out which celebs are rumoured to appear on Strictly 2025:
Delta Goodrem
2026 is set to be a busy year for singer Delta Goodrem. As well as representing Australia at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, reports are rife Delta has very nearly signed up for Strictly later in the year. A source told the Daily Mail newspaper's Eden Confidential column: "It is all but a done deal. They've been trying to get her for years. Obviously, she is a good name for the show."
Josie Gibson
As well as landing a brand new show with ITV/STV called How To Clean Up For Cash, former Big Brother star and This Morning presenter Josie Gibson is reportedly being lined-up for the 2026 series of Strictly.
A source told a national newspaper: "Josie has been on the BBC's radar for a while and they've not given up their pursuit. They're hoping this year is the year, and talks are progressing well. Bosses are convinced her down-to-earth charm will be the boost this year's new-look show needs. Warm and engaging, she's just what they require right now and will be a sure-fire hit with fans."
Stacey Solomon
Another well-known name on this year's rumoured list is Stacey Solomon! Stacey is no strange to working with the BBC, with her show Sort Your Life Out now onto its sixth series, as well as her reality show Stacey & Joe airing last year. With the mum-of-five being a fan favourite, bosses will be keen to get her signature.
Tom Parker Bowles
Food critic Tom Parker Bowles, also known as Queen Camilla's son, was reportedly top of the BBC's wish list for the 2025 series. However, after Tom didn't appear on the line-up, could we see him on the 2026 series?
Dani Dyer
Reality star Dani Dyer was set to take part in the 2025 series, but she was forced to pull out just days ahead of the first live show after fracturing her ankle in training. Dani has expressed her interest in returning, so could we see her in 2026?
None of the above names are yet to be confirmed by the BBC.
The next three celebrity contestants joining the new series of Strictly will be announced live on The One Show tonight (Monday 11th August).
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One in September.
Now read:
Everything we know so far about Strictly Come Dancing 2025
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