The BBC game show’s Christmas special took an awkward turn as a Strictly star was told to leave the set.

Michael McIntyre demanded Nitro ‘get off’ the show (Image: BBC)

A Strictly Come Dancing celebrity found themselves ejected from the BBC game show The Wheel following a heated moment with presenter Michael McIntyre whilst recording the Christmas edition. The holiday programme is scheduled to broadcast on Christmas Day (December 25), featuring well-known personalities Richard Osman, Mel Giedroyc and Paddy McGuinness replacing the typical members of the public.

The eight celebrity experts on hand to assist with queries include Gyles Brandreth, Josie Gibson, Big Narstie, Tim Vine, Zara McDermott, Gladiator and Strictly favourite Nitro, alongside Gavin and Stacey legends Matthew Horne and Joanna Page. In footage witnessed by the Mirror prior to transmission, Nitro – whose real name is Harry Aikines-Aryeetey – was requested to depart the programme following a disclosure about his Christmas Day traditions.

Nitro jokingly started to get out of his seat (Image: BBC)

Contestant Richard Osman proclaimed: “I think that the later you open your presents on Christmas Day the more middle class you are,” adding: “I met someone the other day, his family, before they open their presents they go for a walk”, reports the Mirror.

This tale left presenter Michael aghast, prompting him to quiz the celebrity panel about the “average times you’ve opened presents on Christmas Day.”

Responses varied from 4am through to 10am, whilst Tim Vine caused audible shock amongst his fellow stars by confessing it was “usually about 3 o’clock in the afternoon.”

Nevertheless, it was Nitro who provoked the greatest outcry by revealing he typically waited until 7pm for his Christmas Day gift-giving ritual. “Tell the truth man,” contestant Richard pleaded, as Nitro carried on: “Honest truth. Because there’s other things to enjoy, you know obviously I train first, then I eat.

“Oh get off, get off,” Michael moaned as he gestured towards the studio exit, clearly repulsed by the revelation. “Go away, nobody can relate to that,” whilst Nitro started performing exercises in his chair.

“Shall I head off that way?” Nitro chuckled as Richard interrupted: “Do you know what Nitro, thank you for ruining Christmas.”