The glitz, the glamour, the glitter – it's that time of year again! Strictly Come Dancing is back, promising a season filled with fancy footwork, dazzling costumes, and the heartwarming stories that always seem to emerge from behind the scenes. And this year is already delivering some delightful moments before the dance floor even heats up.

One of the contestants, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, better known as Nitro from the revamped Gladiators series, has shared an adorable anecdote about how his young daughter nearly blew his cover before the official announcement. The pressure of keeping such a big secret proved almost too much, even for a Gladiator!

Aikines-Aryeetey, a powerhouse of athleticism and charisma, is paired with the talented Karen Hauer. Together they are set to take on the challenge of mastering ballroom and Latin dances. He is hoping his strength will be an asset, despite judges previously saying his muscles will hinder his dancing.

During the launch show, Aikines-Aryeetey recounted the near slip-up involving his daughter, Aubree-Isla. It seems young Aubree-Isla is a big fan of Strictly, so much so that the iconic theme tune has become a part of her everyday life.

“She absolutely loves the show,” Aikines-Aryeetey confessed, his eyes twinkling with amusement. However, this enthusiasm nearly led to an unintentional reveal. "There have been a few occasions when I’ve been trying to keep it a secret."

Picture this: the proud father arrives to pick up his daughter from nursery, only to be met with knowing smiles from the staff. “Imagine, I’m picking her up from nursery, and they’re like, ‘she’s been humming a theme tune all day’.” The jig was nearly up!

To further illustrate the situation, Aikines-Aryeetey playfully hummed the famous Strictly theme tune for the audience, eliciting laughter and applause. It's a tune instantly recognizable to millions of viewers, and apparently, to a nursery full of children as well.

He joked about the challenges of maintaining secrecy under such circumstances. "So that was quite hard to keep secret," he admitted. It's a testament to the excitement surrounding the show and the infectious enthusiasm it generates, even among the youngest viewers.

But the story doesn't end there. Aikines-Aryeetey shared a heartwarming update on his daughter's reaction now that the secret is out. "Now, she’s looking at me and she’s like, ‘it’s showtime baby’,” he beamed. It seems Aubree-Isla is fully embracing her father's participation and is ready to cheer him on every step of the way.

Aikines-Aryeetey's journey to Strictly hasn't been without its hurdles. He participated in a Strictly special last year, and previously had to withdraw from Gladiators due to a serious injury. Now fully recovered, he competed in the third series of Gladiators earlier this year.

He's expressed his commitment to the competition. “I’m all in," he declared. "I’ve been able to get through filming Gladiators, I know my body is in good nick." This is great news for fans of the show.

He further explained his physical readiness. "I’ve conditioned it as I should normally condition it. And you know when you’re just sort of happy? Your body’s then happy. You know it’s good."

He has a positive mindset heading into the show, and looks forward to pushing himself. “And it’s all good. So I’m thankful for that and I’m far more appreciative to come back and be better. Really honoured.”

Aikines-Aryeetey joins a stellar lineup of contestants for this season, each bringing their unique talents and personalities to the dance floor. The competition promises to be fierce, and the entertainment value is sure to be off the charts. Check out the Strictly Come Dancing news and the latest line up for the most up to date information.

Among the other contestants ready to strut their stuff is Ugo Monye, the former Harlequins and England rugby captain. He will trade the rugby pitch for the dance floor, showing a different side to his athletic prowess.

Adding a touch of glamour and groundbreaking representation to the show is Tia Kofi, the first drag star to grace the main series of Strictly. Her energy and stage presence are sure to light up the ballroom.

Former footballer Danny Cipriani will be swapping his football boots for dancing shoes. He is hoping to tackle the tango and the foxtrot with the same skill and determination he displayed on the field.

Theo Fennell is swapping the boardroom for the ballroom dancing. He is hoping to use his business acumen to succeed in the competition.

Regrettably, not all contestants made it to the launch date. Amy Dowden had to withdraw from the show over medical reasons.

As the season unfolds, viewers can expect a rollercoaster of emotions, from nail-biting eliminations to heartwarming moments of camaraderie. Strictly Come Dancing has a unique ability to capture the nation's attention, and this year promises to be no exception.

So, get ready to tune in, cast your votes, and cheer on your favorite celebrities as they embark on their dance journey. And who knows, maybe you'll even find yourself humming the Strictly theme tune along with Aubree-Isla!