Harry Aikines-Aryeetey Joins the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Lineup for 2024
The upcoming season of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ is set to sparkle with the addition of a remarkable athlete and television personality: Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. He’s already proven his competitive spirit on the track and on the dance floor, and now you can expect him to bring that same energy to the iconic ballroom.
Aikines-Aryeetey is no stranger to high-pressure environments. He’s a former Team GB sprinter who achieved a historic double win at the World Youth Championships, securing gold in both the 100m and 200m events. Remarkably, he was recognized as the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year in 2005 at just 17 years old.
A Champion Across Disciplines
His athletic achievements extend far beyond his youth. consider these highlights from his impressive career:
Two Olympic Games appearances demonstrate his dedication and skill.
Three European Championship titles showcase his dominance on the continent.
Two Commonwealth Championship wins solidify his status as a world-class athlete.
However, Aikines-Aryeetey’s talents aren’t limited to sprinting. You may recognize him from his recent appearances on other popular shows. He captivated audiences as “Nitro” on the 2023 revival of ‘Gladiators’ and charmed viewers during the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Christmas Special alongside Nancy Xu.
“I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly family this series and I’m ready to give it all I’ve got,” Aikines-Aryeetey shared, expressing his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead.
New Faces and a Commitment to Welfare
The show is also welcoming two new professional dancers to the team. Alexis Warr, the 2022 winner of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ in the US, and Julian Caillon, an Australian dancer with experience on ‘Dancing with The Stars,’ will bring fresh perspectives and talent to the competition.
Last year’s season saw comedian Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell take home the coveted Glitterball trophy. McCausland made history as the first blind winner of the programme, inspiring audiences with his dedication and skill.
Though, the show hasn’t been without its challenges. Recent months have seen scrutiny regarding the conduct of some participants. The BBC has responded with a renewed focus on participant welfare.
These new measures include:
Chaperones present in all rehearsal spaces. The addition of two dedicated welfare producers.
Enhanced training for dancers, production staff, and crew.Furthermore, the BBC launched an examination last week following reports of alleged drug use by two unnamed ‘Strictly’ stars. These steps demonstrate a commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone involved, addressing past concerns about behavior and ensuring a positive experience for all.
‘Strictly Come Dancing’ continues to evolve, balancing its beloved traditions with a dedication to the well-being of its participants. With a dynamic new lineup and a renewed focus on welfare, the 2024 season promises to be a captivating spectacle.
Worth a look