Harry Aikines-Aryeetey has shared the secrets behind his incredible physique. The 37-year-old is one of the celebrities that have taken on the Strictly Come Dancing challenge for the latest season of the BBC contest.
The Gladiators star has been partnered with Karen Hauer this series and they closed out the show with a Samba to Samba by Gloria Estefan. The two scored 30 and finished second to bottom in the leaderboard, just above La Voix in last place. Harry has spoken about his incredible journey in a new interview with The Guardian today.
He explained how his amazing physique is due to being born with “myostatin deficiency”. He added: “[This] means I don’t need to train hard to build muscle, which is why, at the age of four, I already had biceps. As well as being strong, I had a lot of energy.
“Whenever my parents opened the front door, they had to look around to see where I was – if they didn’t clock me fast enough, I would escape on to the balcony of the estate and run away.
“Sport was my obsession – I was fanatical about WWE, and by the age of five all I wanted was to be a Gladiator. That show influenced every part of my life. I even ended up marrying a tanned brunette, just like my first crush, Jet.”
Harry was the first celebrity to be confirmed for the 2025 edition of Strictly. He had previously appeared on the Christmas special and was thrilled to get the opportunity to compete on the full show.
He 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.”
Harry has previously spoken about how he was concerned his physique would impact his ability to dance. On the Parenting Hell podcast, he said: “These are things I’m scared of. These muscles are actually going to work against me.”
Harry was joined by his Gladiators co-star on Saturday’s episode and fans were thrilled to hear Viper speak as he usually remains muted on the BBC show.
Mary said: “Seeing viper smiling oh my!”
Fee added: “Viper talks! First time we’ve heard his actual voice!”
Ama commented: “The first time I’ve ever heard Viper speak”
Tracey posted: “Viper actually speaks”
Bessie said: “IK CRYING AT VIPER #Strictly EVERY GLADIATORS FAN IS SCREAMING RN”
Joseph added: “Viper hardly ever speaks in Gladiators, so this is a revelation.”