The beloved show Gladiators makes its much-anticipated return to BBC One tonight at 5.45pm, and one of its stars, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey—known as Nitro—is issuing a playful warning to his co-stars.
At 37, Harry has made his mark not only on Gladiators but also on Strictly Come Dancing. Recently, he sat down with Birmingham Live alongside his Strictly dance partner, Karen Hauer, to talk about both shows—and Harry made a hilarious revelation.
With a cheeky smile, Harry reflected on what it would be like if Karen were to join Gladiators as a competitor. “I would be scared for the Gladiator if she went up against them,” he said. “I feel like she’s got a warrior inside. The Gladiators would definitely have to watch out for Karen.” The pair shared a laugh as Karen struck her best fighting pose, joking she can go “zero to 100 in minus three seconds.”
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Beyond the fun banter, Karen expressed genuine admiration for the incredible athleticism on display in Gladiators. Having recently watched Harry perform live on tour, she revealed, “I didn’t even want to blink because I didn’t want to miss a single moment. I was like a proud sister, constantly filming whenever Harry came out.”
Karen praised the intense physicality of the show: “It’s breathtaking to see the power, speed, and skill these athletes bring—it’s not just a run, it’s lightning across the floor.” She also highlighted the body positivity and fierce mentality embodied by the Gladiators, noting, “We could all use a little bit of their superpowers.”
Fans can catch the latest action tonight at 5.45pm on BBC One and on iPlayer. Plus, for those eager to see more of Harry and Karen’s partnership, the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour will be at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena from January 23 to 25.