Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is the FOURTH celebrity confirmed in the Strictly Christmas Special lineup

Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is the FOURTH celebrity confirmed in the Strictly Christmas Special lineup

As a seasoned observer of the entertainment industry, I must say, this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special lineup is shaping up to be quite the spectacle! With the announcement of Josh Widdicombe and his partner Karen, we have another hilarious comedian ready to take the dance floor by storm.


As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve learned Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, famously known for his role in Gladiator, has become the fourth celebrity to join the lineup for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special. Can’t wait to see him grace the dance floor!

The 36-year-old British Olympic athlete, commonly referred to as “Nitro,” is among the six well-known personalities set to perform on the dance floor during the holiday season’s installment of the BBC contest.

Harry is planning to replace his strict workout regimen at the gym with eye-catching outfits, as he gets ready to take his first steps on the dance floor.

Apart from being a renowned chef on Masterchef, Harry is equally accomplished in the world of sports. He has represented Team GB and won both Commonwealth and World gold medals in sprinting competitions.

Since his adolescence, this athlete has been competing at the pinnacle of sports in the UK. At only 17 years old, he was awarded the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year in 2005, following his accomplishment as the first athlete to win gold medals in both the 100 and 200-meter races at the World Youth Championships.

In the past four instances, Harry has been triumphant, claiming gold medals in the men’s 100m race at the European Championships and also at the Commonwealth Games.

Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is the FOURTH celebrity confirmed in the Strictly Christmas Special lineup

Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is the FOURTH celebrity confirmed in the Strictly Christmas Special lineup

On Monday evening’s episode of It Takes Two for Strictly Come Dancing, it was revealed that Harry will participate in the 2024 contest, partnering with professional dancer Nancy Xu.

Harry said: ‘STRICTLY….ARE YOU READY?! Nitro’s blasting onto the Ballroom floor this Christmas! 

I’m trading my sneakers for dance shoes, and let me tell you, I’ve got the spirit, the vigor, and the dance steps to match!

In December, I plan on illuminating the dance floor with my moves and really amplifying the holiday cheer. Shall we get started?

This year’s Christmas Special will feature drag queen Tayce, comedian Josh Widdicombe, and Vogue Williams as well.

Vogue is teaming up with professional dancer Carlos Gu, Josh is dancing with professional partner Karen Hauer, and Tayce is matched with Kai Widdrington as their dance partner.

Vogue hails from Ireland and her television career spans a broad spectrum, encompassing everything from hosting documentaries and studio programs, to starring in her own reality TV series.

She is often seen presenting the fashion and red carpet segments on ITV’s Lorraine.

Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is the FOURTH celebrity confirmed in the Strictly Christmas Special lineup
Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is the FOURTH celebrity confirmed in the Strictly Christmas Special lineup
Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is the FOURTH celebrity confirmed in the Strictly Christmas Special lineup

Apart from her acknowledged beauty, she’s also recognized for her marriage with ex-star of Made In Chelsea, Spencer Matthews. Together, they host the podcast called “Spencer and Vogue.

Vogue has prior experience on the dance floor, having competed in the Australian adaptation of Strictly Come Dancing, also known as Dancing With The Stars, back in 2012. She was the one who was eliminated in third place during that season.

Welsh-born Tayce shot to fame as a finalist on season two of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.

She is frequently referred to as the “Naomi Campbell of Drag” and struts her stuff on runways worldwide in high-fashion events.

Apart from that, she’s had turns as a presenter for BBC Radio 1, MTV, and Sky, and she’s also put out a solo rap single of her own.

On Monday, Josh playfully suggested that he might spoil Christmas for everyone by joining in, whereas Tayce openly expressed her pride at being the inaugural drag artist to grace the Strictly dance floor.

Referring to the announcement made on Monday, Josh expressed his deep concern, saying, “I’m extremely anxious that this might lead to embarrassment, and fearful that I might perform so poorly that I could spoil Christmas for everyone. Why on earth did I agree to do this?

Enthusiasts of Strictly and Josh couldn’t contain their excitement upon hearing the news, quickly flocking to social media platforms to express their joy at his participation.

Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is the FOURTH celebrity confirmed in the Strictly Christmas Special lineup
Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is the FOURTH celebrity confirmed in the Strictly Christmas Special lineup
Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is the FOURTH celebrity confirmed in the Strictly Christmas Special lineup
Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is the FOURTH celebrity confirmed in the Strictly Christmas Special lineup
Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is the FOURTH celebrity confirmed in the Strictly Christmas Special lineup
Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is the FOURTH celebrity confirmed in the Strictly Christmas Special lineup

‘They exclaimed: ‘What great news! Josh Widdicombe will appear on Strictly Come Dancing’s Christmas Edition!’ or

We’re thrilled to see that Josh Widdicombe will appear in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special! What joy!

Throughout his professional journey, Josh gained recognition for co-hosting The Last Leg with Alex Brooker and Adam Hills on Channel 4, as well as making appearances on shows such as A League of Their Own, Have I Got News For You, and Taskmaster.

At the moment, Josh is primarily recognized for co-hosting the widely acclaimed parenting podcast, “Parenting Hell,” along with comedian Rob Beckett.

Josh and Rob regularly publish new episodes every two days, and often one of these episodes features a well-known parent whom they invite for an on-air chat as part of their program.

On Christmas Day, a previously recorded show is set to be broadcast. In this special episode, each pair will present a holiday-themed dance performance, aiming to win over the judges – Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Shirley Ballas, as well as the live audience in the studio.

The remaining Christmas lineup will be announced on Strictly: It Takes Two in due course.

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day. 

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2024-11-18 22:11

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