Unveiling the Hidden: Harry Aikines-Aryeetey's Health Condition and Its Impact on Strictly Come Dancing
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, the charismatic star of Strictly Come Dancing, has bravely shared his concerns about a lifelong health condition that could potentially affect his performance on the show.
In an exclusive interview with the Parenting Hell podcast, Harry, alongside comedians Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe, revealed his fears about a medical condition that has been a part of his life since birth. With his rise to fame through representing Great Britain in the Commonwealth Games and his recent role as Nitro on Gladiators, Harry's journey on Strictly Come Dancing has been nothing short of remarkable.
The comedian, reflecting on Harry's Strictly journey, noted his strength in routines requiring physical power but hinted at a potential challenge with the romantic numbers due to his muscular build. Harry, with a sense of vulnerability, agreed, stating, 'These are things I'm scared of. These muscles are actually going to work against me.'
Harry then shed light on his health condition, explaining, 'I've actually got a deficiency of myostatin. That's one of the reasons why I build muscle a lot. So that is just a genetic makeup.'
Myostatin deficiency is a rare condition where the body struggles to produce myostatin protein, resulting in significantly increased muscle mass and minimal fat. This leads to individuals with low or no myostatin having larger-than-average muscles, a trait that Harry possesses.
The condition is incredibly rare, with estimates suggesting that as few as one in four million people are diagnosed with it. Despite this challenge, Harry has captivated audiences with his performances, showcasing his talent and determination.
Last night, Harry and his dance partner, Karen Hauer, performed an American Smooth, receiving a score of 30 points, placing them second from bottom on the leaderboard. However, this hasn't deterred Harry's spirit, as he continues to inspire and entertain.
Beyond the competition, Harry's sporting career is impressive. He has represented Team GB at the Olympics and secured several European and Commonwealth relay gold medals, solidifying his status as a talented athlete.
As Strictly Come Dancing: The Results returns this evening (9 November) at 7:10 pm on BBC One, viewers eagerly await Harry's performance, curious to see how his health condition influences his dance journey.
