Strictly Come Dancing star and Gladiators fan-favourite Montell Douglas has opened up about her co-star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey’s upcoming stint on the dance competition.

Mr Aikines-Aryeetey will be following in Ms Douglas’s footsteps when the BBC dance competition returns later this month after she finished in sixth place alongside partner Johannes Radebe last year.

The Gladiators star, also known as ‘Fire’, put on a series of showstopping performances alongside Mr Radebe, and while Mr Aikines-Aryeetey’s partner remains a mystery for now, expectations are high that he can put on similar displays on the dancefloor.

When asked if Ms Douglas had been able to share any tidbits of advice for her fellow Gladiator by GB News on the red carpet at this year’s National Television Awards, she confirmed she had.

“Yeah, do you know what? I told him what I felt was best for me,” she said. “I know what expectations he’ll have for himself, but also, I know how Harry likes to play his cards close to his chest.

“But that’s his mindset. I said to him to try and stay in the moment, it is a whirlwind every week, it changes so quickly. That is where it is quite wild. Try to stay in with your head and keep on learning. So just have the best time.”

While Ms Douglas may have plenty of advice on how to mentally approach the task of Strictly, Mr Aikines-Aryeetey will also be in a unique position when facing the physical demands of the ballroom.

Earlier this year, the former sprinter suffered a painful knee injury that meant he had to withdraw from the second series of Gladiators.

Back in January, he wrote to his followers: “Obviously, you know I’m explosive, I’m powerful, sometimes I’m too powerful. Speed is my thing, but sometimes life throws a curveball.

“During training for series two earlier this year, I picked up an unexpected knee injury, which means I’ll be shifting gears this series and sitting out the events. But don’t worry, I’m recharging and more energised than ever.

“You’ll still catch me bringing the Nitro spirit to your screens, hyping up my fellow Gladiators, and keeping the energy sky-high. Bring on series two of Gladiators.”

So does this mean Ms Douglas fears for her co-star in the rehearsal room? “No,” she emphatically replied.

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Delving further, she added: “I mean, even if you’re healthy – I went in there healthy and still came out broken. Like, you do.

“I’m still dealing with things now that I had from the show that you had to deal with. It’s 50+ hours of dance a week, it’s very aerobic, not what you’re used to, as well.

“You’re pushing your body, and most people are doing stuff that the body doesn’t really like to do. It’s not natural. So it is really hard.

“What I’ve said to him is, look, it is gonna be hard, take care of yourself, be kind to yourself. But I also think his mindset will allow him to do more recovery methods.

“I was stretching for an hour after sessions, because I was like, if I don’t do this, I would be split into two!”

Mr Aikines-Aryeetey and the rest of his cast members have only just begun their foray into the world of Strictly, with the launch show scheduled for later this month.

Having previously competed on last year’s Christmas special, the former athlete admitted his prior experience is what has contributed to his excitement for the role.

Speaking at the time of his unveiling, 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 at picking up the routines as I am on the track.”