Harry Aikines-Aryeetey appeared on Celebrity MasterChef just a year ago and behaviour in one of the challenges had fans fuming and criticising former hosts John Torode and Gregg Wallace

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey appeared on Celebrity MasterChef just a year ago(Image: BBC)

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey left fans fuming on Celebrity MasterChef last year. The Gladiators star is joining Strictly Come Dancing this year and was the first celebrity to be announced just days ago.

Fans will know Harry better as Nitro as he has appeared on the new episodes of Gladiators, also on the BBC. As well as the physical challenge show, Harry tried his hand at showing off his culinary skills on Celebrity MasterChef.

Now, he’s set to dazzle the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor after signing up to the show. Speaking about appearing on the show, following a successful stint on the Christmas special, 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.” It comes after a Strictly Come Dancing star pulled out of show as he made a career announcement.

Gregg and John’s behaviour angered viewers(Image: BBC)

However, before his stint on Strictly, Harry riled up some fans of Celebrity MasterChef, after he missed out on the next round in favour of This Morning star Craig Doyle. Strictly star Vito Coppola went on to win the series.

Sharing their thoughts, one wrote: “Harry’s crumble wasn’t complex enough for the final stages of the competition … and quite rightly he was shown the door #CelebrityMasterChef,” whilst a second added: “Craig Doyle should hang his head in shame that Harry went before him. Shame on you John and Greg too #celebritymasterchef.”

Another penned: “I really want @Vito__Coppola to win, he’s so talented & humble … but i felt that Harry was cheated , as much as i like Craig, he should have gone in last nights show #CelebrityMasterChef.” A fourth shared: “#CelebrityMasterChef saving Craig after he put salt on his desert, while Harry made a perfectly good dessert.”

Harry is appearing on Strictly this year

A fifth angry fan shared: “So wait, Harry gets sent home for cooking not 1 but 3 different desserts and Craig gets saved for dousing salt on his and torching it?? #CelebrityMasterChef,” with another writing: “I feel sorry for Harry. Very unlike Gregg and John to overlook using salt instead of sugar #CelebrityMasterChef.”

During the Christmas special, Harry performed with professional dancer Nancy Xu, with the pair doing a routine to Christmas Wrapping. Tayce went on to win the Christmas special alongside her partner Kai Widdrington.