Latest news with #HarryAikines-Aryeetey
Wales Online
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC Strictly Come Dancing 'signs up' Gladiators star after show controversy
BBC Strictly Come Dancing 'signs up' Gladiators star after show controversy Strictly Come Dancing bosses are said to be 'in talks' with a Gladiators star for the 2025 series Gladiators' Nitro, also known as Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, is set to join the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing. The 36-year-old has previously graced the BBC show's dance floor. In the 2024 Christmas special, he partnered with professional dancer Nancy Xu, 33, and their performance earned them one of the highest scores of the night—an impressive 37 points for their Street/Commercial routine. The former Olympic sprinter caught the attention of the show's bosses, who are keen to have him on board for a full season of the popular dance competition, now in its 23rd year. It's hoped that he can juggle his commitments with Gladiators, which typically films over the summer months. Strictly usually kicks off in August, but contestants are confirmed weeks prior and start training immediately to build their confidence before the live shows commence. Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, aka Gladiator star Nitro, is expected to join the cast of Strictly in 2025 (Image: Getty Images ) Welsh Love Island star Emily Moran breaks silence as she joins ITV2 cast as bombshell READ MORE: Fay Ripley admits she owes her marriage to The Traitors star in One Show confession READ MORE: An insider told The Sun: "Bosses have been desperate to get Nitro on the series for a while. They were in talks last year but couldn't get the timings to marry up with his work," reports the Mirror, whih has reached out to the BBC and Harry's representatives for comment.. Article continues below The source added: "He was a huge hit at Christmas prancing around in spandex and showing off his biceps. Producers were also impressed with his dancing." An insider also suggested that the addition of Nitro could draw a fresh audience to Strictly, as producers aim to replicate the family-friendly success of Gladiators. Strictly has faced its share of controversy and criticism in recent years, with allegations of misconduct by professional dancers and celebrity participants behaving inappropriately. Last year, Go Compare singer Wynne Evans caused a stir when he was seen touching dancer Katya Jones inappropriately. Further scandal ensued during the 2025 Strictly Live Tour when off-colour remarks made by Evans behind the scenes were leaked. Jamie Borthwick, another participant from the 2024 series, found himself embroiled in controversy this month following revelations that he used a derogatory term to describe the residents of Blackpool during the show's filming there. The previous year, Strictly was overshadowed by accusations from actress Amanda Abbington who claimed she was mistreated by professional dancer Giovanni Pernice. A BBC investigation was launched while Giovanni left the show, maintaining his innocence throughout. Harry appeared in the 2024 Christmas special where he danced with Nancy Hu (Image: BBC Studios/Guy Levy ) In another incident, professional dancer Graziano Di Prima confessed to accidentally kicking his celebrity partner Zara McDermott during rehearsals, leading to his departure from the show. Strictly Come Dancing is set to grace our screens once again this year, with the familiar judging panel of Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood all confirmed to return. There's speculation that this season could be Craig's last on the show, as he previously declared he would leave after reaching 60. Craig celebrated his 60th birthday this year, leading some viewers to worry that he might bow out after the forthcoming series. Yet, it seems he may have had a change of heart regarding his departure. Article continues below Speaking to The Mirror, he remarked: "I have no intention of quitting because it's a fantastic Saturday job that I intend to do into my 80s, as long as I'm still compos mentis, darling! and if I haven't been cancelled before then!". Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC iPlayer
Edinburgh Live
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
BBC Strictly Come Dancing 'signs up' Gladiators star for 2025 series
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Gladiators star Nitro, real name Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, has been 'signed up' to join the 2025 season of Strictly Come Dancing. The 36-year-old former Olympic sprinter previously appeared on the BBC show's 2024 Christmas special, where he was paired with professional dancer Nancy Xu, 33. The duo wowed the judges and were one of the highest scoring couples, earning an impressive 37 points for their Street/Commercial performance. Strictly bosses were so impressed that they're now hoping to secure him for a full season of the popular dance contest, which will be in its 23rd season this year. It is hoped that he will be able to juggle his commitments with Gladiators, which traditionally films across the summer. (Image: Getty Images) Strictly usually begins airing in August each year, but contestants are secured weeks in advance and immediately begin training to gain confidence on the dance floor ahead of the live shows. An insider told The Sun: "Bosses have been desperate to get Nitro on the series for a while. They were in talks last year but couldn't get the timings to marry up with his work," reports the Mirror, which has reached out to the BBC and Harry's representatives for comment. The source added: "He was a huge hit at Christmas prancing around in spandex and showing off his biceps. Producers were also impressed with his dancing." The insider also suggested that they hoped Nitro's participation could draw a new demographic of fans to Strictly, as the show's bosses aim to capitalise on the family-friendly success of Gladiators. (Image: PA) Strictly has been mired in controversy and scandal in recent years following allegations of abuse by professional dancers and star contestants behaving inappropriately. Last year, Go Compare singer Wynne Evans caused a stir when he was seen touching dancer Katya Jones. He later sparked controversy during the 2025 Strictly Live Tour when inappropriate comments he made off-camera were leaked. Fellow 2024 contestant Jamie Borthwick found himself at the centre of a scandal this month after it emerged he used an offensive term to describe the people of Blackpool during the BBC show's filming there. (Image: BBC Studios/Guy Levy) A shadow was cast over Strictly the previous year when actress Amanda Abbington accused professional dancer Giovanni Pernice of abuse. A BBC investigation was launched while Giovanni left the show, maintaining his innocence. Fellow professional dancer Graziano Di Prima confessed to accidentally kicking celebrity partner Zara McDermott during rehearsals, leading to his departure from the BBC show. Strictly Come Dancing is likely to resume this year, with the return of judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood. However, it is uncertain if Craig will continue beyond this season, as he previously expressed his intention to leave the show after turning 60. This milestone birthday has now passed, sparking concerns among fans that he may retire at the end of the upcoming season. Nevertheless, in an interview with The Mirror last year, Craig seemed to reconsider his decision, stating: "I have no intention of quitting because it's a fantastic Saturday job that I intend to do into my 80s, as long as I'm still compos mentis, darling! and if I haven't been cancelled before then!". Strictly Come Dancing is available on BBC iPlayer
Daily Mirror
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC Gladiators star tipped to star in Strictly Come Dancing
Former Olympian and star of Gladiators Harry Aikines-Aryeetey - better known as Nitro - is expected to appear as a contestant in the 2025 season of Strictly Come Dancing Gladiators star Nitro has been signed up to star in the 2025 season of Strictly Come Dancing. The 36-year-old, whose real name is Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, has some prior experience on the hit BBC show. He was a contestant in the 2024 Christmas special where he was paired with professional dancer Nancy Xu, 33. The pair impressed the judges are were one of the highest scoring couples, scooping an impressive 37 points for their Street/Commercial performance. The former Olympic sprinter impressed bosses who are now hoping to secure him for a full season of the long-running dance contest - which will be in its 23rd season this year. There are hopes he will be able to work around his busy schedule that relates to Gladiators - which traditionally films across the summer. While Strictly usually begins airing in August each year, the contestants are secured weeks in advance and immediately begin training in an effort to gain confidence on the dance floor ahead of the live shows beginning. A source has told The Sun: 'Bosses have been desperate to get Nitro on the series for a while. They were in talks last year but couldn't get the timings to marry up with his work." The source continues: 'He was a huge hit at Christmas prancing around in lycra and showing off his biceps. Producers were also impressed with his dancing." The source also explained that they hoped Nitro's inclusion could attract a whole new range of fans to Strictly - as bosses are hoping to capitalize on the family friendly success of Gladiators. The Mirror has contacted the BBC and representatives of Harry for comment. Strictly has continued to draw scorn and scandal in recent years after accusations of abuse by professional dancers and star signings disgracing themselves with ungentlemanly behaviour. Last year, Go Compare singer Wynne Evans raised eyebrows when he ran his hands over dancer Katy Jones. He later caused scandal during the 2025 Strictly Live Tour when crude comments he made behind the scenes were made public. Fellow 2024 star Jamie Borthwick was engulfed in scandal this month as it was revealed he used a derogatory term to describe the people of Blackpool when the BBC show filmed there. A dark cloud hovered over Striclty last year when actress Amanda Abbington made accusations she was abused by professional dancer Giovani Pernice. A BBC investigation was held while Giovanni walked away from the show while protesting his innocence. Fellow professional dancer Graziano Di Prima admitted he kicked celebrity partner Zara McDermott during rehearsals and he left the BBC show. Strictly is expected to continue this year, with judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood all set to return. It may be the final time that Craig takes up a seat at the table as he has long vowed to quit the series after he turned 60. With that landmark passed this year, some fans fear he could retire at the conclusion of the upcoming season. However, the star appeared to backtrack on his promise last year. He told The Mirror: "I have no intention of quitting because it's a fantastic Saturday job that I intend to do into my 80s, as long as I'm still compos mentis, darling! and if I haven't been cancelled before then!"
Daily Mail
04-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Milk before or after cereal? Scientists finally settle the age-old debate - so, do YOU agree with their method?
It's a debate that will leave many shaking their heads in horror. When it comes to eating breakfast, do you put the cereal or the milk in the bowl first? It's the subject of ongoing discussion online, as some argue for pouring the milk before adding their cereal. Former sprint Olympian Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who has appeared as 'Nitro' in the BBC 's Gladiator series, is one of the controversial few. In a video uploaded to TikTok, he can be seen pouring milk into an empty bowl with the caption: 'Of course I pour my milk first'. To take the contentious method further, he then puts the bowl in the microwave to warm the milk up, before adding some Choco Wheaties. He wrote: 'Who's triggered? Don't hate me! Warm cereal for the win,' before adding '#milkfirstthencereal'. Now, scientists have weighed in on the controversial topic – so, do you agree with their thoughts? Speaking to MailOnline, Barry Smith, founding director of the Centre for the Study of the Senses and professor of philosophy at the University of London, explained that cereal won't go soggy as quickly if it's added to a bowl of milk. However, it will be better coated if the milk is poured on. Timing is key, he said. 'Of course, it depends what the cereal is,' he said. 'The very earnest nuts and bolts granola from health food stores probably needs a good soak, while sugar laden flakes may dissolve quickly. 'Everyone will have their preferred tolerance, and a little-known fact is how sensitive we are to texture and how much that affects food acceptability. 'Think of people who like their scrambled eggs runny, or firm, their meat well done or raw. We can put people on a scale and they will not be happy at the other end.' We don't taste food all at once, he explained, and we change their texture by chewing, crunching or melting them in the mouth. For example, chocolate changes from a solid piece you snap off a bar to something that melts into a gooey, luxurious molten lava flow that we love. 'As foods we chew change their textures they change their flavours,' he said. 'The interesting thing about cereals is that we change their texture before we eat them by adding milk. 'So timing is the key whether you put the milk in first or last. 'Experimentation is best to discover when they hit their peak texture – the bliss point - for you. 'That also changes as you eat, so the cereal may start a little too hard and end a little too soggy and what you are trying to optimize is the time or number of mouthfuls when it is just right - the Goldilocks Principle. 'Of course, by the time you finish the last, soggy pieces, you are often rewarded by that sugar rich milk, which many people find even more delicious than the cereal.' Another 'milk before cereal' TikTok user, who has the username @chisme, explained: 'Guys, this is the right way. 'Because look – now I know how much milk there is and I know how much cereal to put. 'And if I need more cereal, I'll put more cereal. Perfect milk-to-cereal ratio.' Australian milk brand Riverina Fresh uploaded a video in which it claimed that milk should go in the bowl first Shelby Roach, another TikTok user, uploaded a video showing her boyfriend looking mortified. 'My boyfriend is offended that I was going to pour him milk in this bowl before the cereal,' she said in the clip. When he protests that the cereal should go first, she replied: 'But then the cereal gets soggy.' Meanwhile an Australian milk brand, Riverina Fresh, uploaded a video saying: 'Unpopular opinion. When you make cereal, it's 100 times better when you pour the milk first and then pour the cereal second. 'It keeps the cereal crunchier for longer, and it's just a far superior experience.' Professor Charles Spence, an experimental psychologist at the University of Oxford, said: '"Plip, plop, splash" – that is what you get if you add the milk first, rather than the ubiquitous "Snap, crackle, and pop" that has sold so many boxes of breakfast cereal over the years. 'Surely you want the milk to splash over top to ensure maximum flavour in your milk, while preserving crunch for as long as possible. 'No one, after all, likes soggy breakfast cereals.' He said that many will argue the answer to the 'before or after' question is a matter of ritual. 'Whatever ritual you have, no matter what the reason behind it, well ritualized food preparation and consumption can undoubtedly make food taste better,' he said. A Kellogg's spokesman said: 'We know that people eat their cereal in all sorts of ways – whether it's with ice cold milk, with no milk at all or we've even heard from cereal fans who add peanut butter or protein powder to their bowl of cereal. 'Some prefer to soak their cereal for the perfect amount of time until it's soft – others are hardcore fans of crunchy cereal. 'We've been serving up cereal at breakfast tables since 1906 and the most typical way its eaten is by adding milk after the cereal, otherwise things could get messy. 'But if you're a fan of more crunch in your bowl, the milk first approach could be the way to go, as less of your cereal is submerged, and it crucially avoids spillages.' Meanwhile Nestle - who produce the popular Cheerios, Shreddies and Nesquik cereals - says there is 'no rule' when it comes to milk first or cereal first. 'If you're aiming for perfect cereal-to-milk ratio and optimal crunch, you should start with the milk first and add cereals gradually to match the quantity of milk in the bowl,' it says on its website. 'If you feel offended by the idea of going with milk first, you'll be happy to know a lot of people do their cereals the other way around.'
Telegraph
06-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Queen reveals tough time with reading at night
The Queen, who has enjoyed a lifelong passion for reading, has admitted that at night she now struggles to read more than two pages before falling asleep. In a comment that will resonate with many, Her Majesty, 77, said that these days, when she eventually falls into bed, she is so tired she cannot concentrate. Asked at the final of a national writing competition whether she still found the time to read, the Queen replied: 'I do when I have a holiday.' She added: 'I do try occasionally to read at night but I read two pages and fall asleep and have to start again.' The Queen founded her own online book club, The Queen's Reading Room, and often campaigns on the power of literacy. At the final of the BBC's annual 500 Words awards ceremony, held at Buckingham Palace, she hailed the young winners as the 'writers of the future'. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of six winners across two age categories, five to seven and eight to 11, with recognition given to gold, silver, and bronze medalists in each group. The Queen presented them with medals before they were escorted back to their seats by Gladiators Nitro, whose real name is Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, and Fire, real name Montell Douglas. The young finalists had their entries read in the palace's ballroom by a group of celebrities, including Oscar-winning actress Olivia Colman, comedian Matt Lucas, McFly's Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher, actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, comic actor Rob Brydon and JLS's JB Gill. The event took place earlier this month but was broadcast during a special episode of The One Show on Thursday to mark World Book Day. The Queen fell in love with reading at a young age, inspiring a lifelong love of literature that she has partly attributed to Mark Shand, her late father, who frequently read to her. She has visited schools and libraries, as well as workplaces and prisons to see the work of adult literacy schemes. As Duchess of Cornwall, she became patron of several organisations which promote and support literacy including the National Literacy Trust, First Story, Coram Beanstalk and Booktrust.
