Strictly star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey aka Nitro's life off screen from love life to height

Gladiator and Olympian Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is set to take on one very different challenge as he heads to the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom. The sprinterbecame the first celebrity to sign up to this year's BBC dance competition.

In recent years, Harry has become best known as Nitrothanks to his appearance on the reboot of Gladiators. However, before that Harry, 37, had a very successful career before as a champion sprinter, thanks to discovering his hidden talent when running away from a barking dog.

He has been a top competitor in the UK from his youth, where at just 17, he made history by becoming the first athlete to clinch gold in both the 100 and 200 metres at the World Youth Championships. Harry went on to become a huge favourite in Team GB and bagged the title of 2005's BBC Young Sports Personality Of The Year.

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"I was gifted from a young age," he remarked. Harry's success didn't end there as he secured gold in the 4x100 metres relay at both the European Championships and Commonwealth Games.

His accolades include being a two-time Olympian and a World Bronze Medallist, among numerous other sporting triumphs. Now, Harry works as an online fitness coach, manages a thriving app, and still has a commitment to athletics.

His estimated net worth stands at an impressive £3.9 million.

Harry also practices what he preaches. Standing at 5ft 11ins and boasting thighs measuring a remarkable 25ins around - the star is a fitness fanatic.

Fitness is Harry's way of life as he opts for a protein-heavy diet, with steak for breakfast and cured meat snacks. "I've been blessed with good genetics, obviously," Harry shared last year with Men's Health magazine.

Appearing on Gladiators was a "dream come true" for Harry, having been a huge fan since he was little. "You think: 'Gosh, I played those games in the estate where I grew up and I've got the opportunity to actually bring it to life," he once said.

"It's a celebration of what we are and what we've done." Harry is happily married to Lauren Aikines-Aryeetey and they have a daughter named Aubree-Isla, who he affectionately calls his "Mini Me".

Harry has already had a taste of Strictly before making his debut as a contestant on this year's series. He appeared on last year's Christmas special where he was partnered with professional dancer Nancy Xu.

The sports star bagged one of the highest scores in the episode but lost to RuPaul's Drag Race UK star Tayce, who had danced with Kai Widdrington.

Announcing his return for the new series, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey said: "After the Christmas Special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice! I'm so excited to be part of the Strictly family this series and I'm ready to give it all I've got.

"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."

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