Gladiators star revealed as fourth Strictly Christmas special contestant – and he’s dancing with fan favourite pro
A GLADIATORS star has been revealed as the fourth Strictly Christmas special contestant.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, 36, who appeared on the BBC show as Nitro this year, will be dancing with Nancy Xu.
The news was confirmed on tonight’s episode of Strictly’s spin-off It Takes Two.
Harry confessed it’s been a “dream” of his to take part in the programme.
The Team GB sprinter has been extremely successful over the years on the the running tracks, winning a number of golds in the European Championships and Commonwealth Games.
But will he be able to impress judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas?
Harry said: “STRICTLY….ARE YOU READY?!
“Nitro’s blasting onto the Ballroom floor this Christmas!
“I’m swapping my trainers for dancing shoes, and trust me, I’m bringing the power, the energy and the moves!
“This December I’m gonna light up that dancefloor and crank the Christmas spirit all the way UP.
“Let’s do this!”
Fans of the show don’t have long to wait.
The Christmas special will air on our screens on 25th December on BBC One.
A total of six famous faces will be taking to the dance floor for the festive episode.
It has already been revealed that comedian Josh Widdicombe has signed up.
Josh is most well-known for him time at the top of the British comedy circuit as well as his appearances on Channel 4 show The Last Leg.
Josh’s pro partner was yesterday confirmed as Karen Hauer – after she was knocked out of the main run of the contest earlier this series.
Meet the Gladiators finalists
The Gladiators final takes place on Easter Saturday at 5.30pm on BBC One.
After ten gruelling weeks facing the superhuman Gladiators, four contenders have made it through to the grand final.
The Gladiators 2024 finalists are:
Finlay Anderson – Army officer Finlay, 34, from Edinburgh has made it to the final despite being injured in the quarter-final.
Wesley Male – Even though he joined in the quarter-final stage, part-time Leeds wrestler Wesley, 35, has proved a force to be reckoned with on the Gladiators gauntlet.
Bronte Jones – This 23-year-old firefighter from Sheffield is the youngest contender in the final.
Marie-Louise Nicholson – Hailing from Dublin, Marie-Louise, 28, is a fitness coach who has scored maximum points five times on Gladiators.
Welsh drag queen and RuPaul’s Drag Race star Tayce will also be dancing this year.
Tayce said: “I cannot wait to sleigh on the Strictly Ballroom floor. My partner and I are going to dance for our lives!
“In all seriousness, it’s an incredible honour to be the first Drag artist to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing.
“I hope I do all of my Drag Race and Welsh fans proud! Sign me up for all the glitz, glam and discoballs.”
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special WINNERS
STRICTLY Come Dancing's Christmas Special is rolling back around for 2024. Yet who has already scooped the festive Glitterball Trophy?
2005 Darren Gough & Lilia Kopylova
2006 Colin Jackson & Erin Boag
2007 Darren Gough & Lilia Kopylova
2008 Jill Halfpenny & Darren Bennett
2009 Ali Bastian & Brian Fortuna
2010 John Barrowman & Kristina Rihanoff
2011 Charlie Brooks & Vincent Simone
2012 J.B. Gill & Ola Jordan
2013 Rufus Hound & Flavia Cacace
2014 Louis Smith & Aliona Vilani
2015 Harry Judd & Joanne Clifton
2016 Melvin Odoom & Janette Manrara
2017 Katie Derham & Brendan Cole
2018 Aston Merrygold & Janette Manrara
2019 Debbie McGee & Kevin Clifton
2020 —
2021 Anne-Marie & Graziano Di Prima
2022 Alexandra Mardell & Kai Widdrington
2023 Jamie Borthwick & Nancy Xu
The third famous face has been revealed as TV star Vogue Williams.
The 39-year-old will be partnered with popular Strictly pro and fan-favourite Carlos Gu.
Speaking about her upcoming stint on the Strictly dancefloor, Vogue admitted that she’s got two left feet, but says that she’s keen to embrace the challenge.
The star said: “I’m so excited to join the Strictly family! Carlos would have more of a chance of winning a Nobel prize than turning me into a good dancer but I am determined to try my very best!
“I’m loving it so far, bring on the Ballroom floor.”
- Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day.