British sprinting star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who hails from Leicester, is set to swap spikes for sequins as he joins the cast of the upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing.
The Team GB athlete, known for his explosive speed and charismatic presence on the track, was unveiled today as one of the newest celebrities stepping onto the iconic dancefloor this autumn.
Picture credit: BBC Strictly Come Dancing
Aikines-Aryeetey, a former World Youth Champion and Commonwealth Games medallist, said he’s ready to embrace the challenge of ballroom dancing, despite admitting it’s worlds apart from sprinting. “It’s completely out of my comfort zone,” he laughed in an interview. “But I love a challenge, and I’m excited to show a different side of myself. Growing up in Leicester, I never imagined I’d be twirling in front of millions!”
The 36-year-old has long been a fan favourite in athletics, not just for his achievements on the track but for his infectious energy and larger-than-life personality — qualities that are likely to serve him well under the glitterball spotlight.
The full Strictly line-up already includes a mix of actors, musicians, and TV personalities, but Aikines-Aryeetey brings elite athleticism to the group. Fans in Leicester and beyond will no doubt be cheering him on as he races for the top of the leaderboard.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One this September.
