Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey has exclusively revealed the key athletic abilities he transferred from the BBC arena to the ballroom.
From Gladiator to Dancer: The Skill Transfer
The 37-year-old athlete, famed as Nitro on the revived Gladiators show, competed in the 2025 series of Strictly with professional partner Karen Hauer. He was the sixth celebrity eliminated from the competition.
In an interview with Birmingham Live, Aikines-Aryeetey clarified that it was his core athleticism, rather than specific Gladiator tactics, that gave him an edge in dancing. "I'm going to give my athletic skill set," he stated, "because my athletic skill set makes me a good gladiator."
The Three Key Attributes
He pinpointed three crucial traits that eased his transition to the dancefloor:
- Speed
- Agility
- Being light on his feet
"I think that being able to be fast, agile, being light on my feet, definitely transitioned me into being a good Strictly dancer," he explained.
Harry further elaborated that being 'nimble, light and powerful' – hallmarks of his Gladiator persona – were directly beneficial. He also highlighted his mental approach: "I think first, I'm actually a smarter gladiator than I am a more powerful gladiator. I've got the power, I've got the brains as well. So, I think my ability to be reactive allows me to be that efficient on the dance floor."
Tour Dates and TV Return
His former dance partner, Karen Hauer, reportedly agreed with his assessment of the skills crossover.
Fans can see Harry back in action as Nitro on BBC One and iPlayer from 5.45pm tonight for the new series of Gladiators. Subsequently, he will swap the arena for the stage, joining the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour.
The tour arrives at Birmingham's Utilita Arena from January 23 to January 25. Tickets for the live show are available via StrictlyComeDancingLive.com.
