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Strictly Come Dancing’s Harry Aikines-Aryeetey became emotional after his first live performance with professional partner Karen Hauer.
The Gladiator star stunned during the first live show of the season as he danced the Cha-Cha to Salt-N-Pepa’s Push It.
But when he joined host Tess Daly to get feedback from the judges, Harry was overwhelmed with emotion after he confessed he thought he was ‘didn’t know if he would be able to walk again’.
Noticing his teary state, Tess asked, ‘Are you alright, talk to me.’ As he struggled for words, Tess continued: ‘What’s wrong?’
To which Harry explained: ‘It’s just, this time last year I wasn’t able to do anything like that and I never thought I’d be myself again.
‘It just feels so nice to be myself again. I had an injury and I didn’t know if I’d be able to walk, run, and I just feel emotional.’
Strictly Come Dancing’s Harry Aikines-Aryeetey became emotional after his first live dance under the glitterball with professional partner Karen Hauer
When he joined host Tess Daly to get feedback from the judges, Harry was overwhelmed with emotion after he confessed he thought he was ‘didn’t know if he would be able to walk again’
‘I’ve dreamt of that moment, and even though I did Christmas, I wasn’t 100% and I’m here, I’m 100% so I’m thankful.’
Tess comforted him: ‘Well, you should be so proud of yourself, right now we are so proud of you.
‘You owned that out there, and thank you so much for a little bit of Salt N Pepa from Dave Arch, his brilliant band and fantastic live singers.’
But as she turned to Craig Revel Horwood, Tess said: ‘Harry, we love you to bits but brace yourself because we are going to Craig now.’
Earlier this year, Harry, known as Nitro in Gladiators, revealed he could no longer partake in his flagship show.
The news sent Gladiator viewers into a frenzy as they declared the rebooted BBC show was ruined.
Hosts Bradley and Barney Walsh revealed Nitro had been left injured during training.
The studio audience went wild as the muscle-bound Gladiator and GB sprinter, 36, was introduced and quipped he was simply ‘too powerful’.
The Gladiator star stunned during the first live show of the season as he danced the Cha-Cha to Salt-N-Pepa’s Push It
Harry explained: ‘It’s just, this time last year I wasn’t able to do anything like that and I never thought I’d be myself again’
‘It just feels so nice to be myself again. I had an injury and I didn’t know if I’d be able to walk, run, and I just feel emotional’, he added
‘Sometimes I’m too powerful. And I ended up hurting myself. I’ve got a little bit of a dodgy knee’.
He continued: ‘But these things happen in sport, you know, when you’re pushing yourself as hard as you do.
‘The pecs aren’t going anywhere – they’re right here. They’re staying here.
‘I need all those Nitro fans out there to give me some energy because I need to recharge.’
Gutted fans took to X saying: ‘Nitro injured… series ruined. He’s the best of the best’: ‘Aww no Nitro’: ‘So disappointing that Nitro is out of the whole season. He is the absolute boss of the wall. He will be missed’: ‘No Nitro this season is low key heartbreaking’.
STRICTLY LINEUP 2025
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
Age: 36
Profession: Olympic Sprinter and Gladiator
Harry says: ‘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.’
Alex Kingston
Age: 62
Profession: Doctor Who actress
The actress teases: ‘My hips don’t lie.’
Balvinder Sopal
Age: 46
Profession: EastEnders actress
Balvinder says: ‘I’m far too excited to put into words how I feel but I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom.’
La Voix
Age: 45
Profession: Drag performer
She says: ‘Strictly is a national institution and I can’t wait to get started. All that’s left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here’s hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse.’
Thomas Skinner
Age: 34
Profession: Reality star and entrepreneur
He says: ‘Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!’
Vicky Pattison
Age: 37
Profession: Reality TV star
She says: ‘I’m absolutely buzzing to be part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up… but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified.’
Karen Carney
Age: 38
Profession: Football pundit
She says: ‘I’m such a huge fan of the show and I can’t believe I’m finally getting the chance to take part.’
George Clark
Age: 25
Profession: YouTuber
He says: ‘Never thought I’d say this… but I’m doing Strictly! Honestly, I’ve got no idea what I’m doing but I’m excited to get stuck in … and potentially fall over a fair bit.’
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Age: 53
Profession: Former Chelsea and Netherlands striker and ex-England coach.
He says: ‘Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I’ve done before but I’m looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals.’
Ellie Goldstein
Age: 23
Profession: Model, influencer and disability ambassador
She says: ‘It’s a show I’ve loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream’.
Chris Robshaw
Age: 39
Profession: Rugby player
He says: ‘This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! I’m hoping to take my dad-dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can’t wait to drag me along to her Zumba class’.
Stefan Dennis
Age: 66
Profession: Actor
He says: ‘Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky.’
Ross King
Age: 63
Profession: Showbiz correspondent
He says: ‘I can’t wait to learn from the best, meet my fellow contestants, and, most importantly… try not to step on too many toes!’
Lewis Cope
Age: 30
Profession: Actor
He says: ‘I’m so excited to be swapping the Dales for the dance floor and joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.’
Amber Davies
Age: 28
Profession: West End star
She says: ‘This has been the craziest 24 hours of my life. I’ve watched Strictly with my family since I was younger and to now be part of the show is a dream come true.’
