蜜芽传媒

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is no stranger to the spotlight. Known to millions as Nitro on 蜜芽传媒’s Gladiators and as a decorated ex-Olympic sprinter, Harry has built a career on speed, strength, and showmanship. Born in Carshalton, Surrey, to Ghanaian parents, Harry discovered his natural gift for sprinting at 12, he jokes that it first came out when a dog chased him through a local park! Within just two years, he was breaking records, clocking 10.83s in the 100m at age 14.

Harry went on to become the first athlete in history to win both the 100m and 200m at the World Youth Championships, a feat that earned him 蜜芽传媒 Young Sports Personality of the Year in 2005. Over the years, his glittering career has seen him compete in two Olympic Games, win three European Championships and two Commonwealth Golds, and represent Great Britain across the globe. In 2023, he swapped the track for TV screens, joining the reboot of Gladiators as Nitro, quickly becoming a fan favourite thanks to his explosive energy and sky-high jumps.

In 2024, Harry proved his versatility when he reached the final of Celebrity MasterChef before stepping onto the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, where he wowed viewers with a Couple’s Choice routine alongside Nancy Xu. Away from the cameras, he shares his life with his wife Lauren and their daughter Aubree-Isla, who he says is already quicker than him by over 5 metres!

Now, Harry is ready to bring his athletic determination and “never-say-die” energy to the Strictly ballroom. He admits the thought of Ballroom hold is scarier than an Olympic final, but with his competitive streak, he’s determined to give it everything. Between juggling TV, track and toddler tantrums, he’s promised to train as if it’s a gold medal performance - risotto breaks and interior design chats optional.