Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, the latest celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing, has opened up about his emotional yet positive exit from the competition, saying he’s grateful to have gone out “on a party.” The Gladiators star, 37, became the latest contestant to be voted off the hit BBC show on Sunday night (November 9) after facing a tense dance-off against Aljaž Škorjanec and La Voix.


Harry and Karen were eliminated last night (Credit: BBC)

Harry and his professional partner Karen Hauer performed a lively samba to Samba by Gloria Estefan, earning 30 points from the judges. However, their score left them near the bottom of the leaderboard, and despite their energetic performance, they couldn’t survive the elimination round.

Appearing on It Takes Two the following evening, Harry and Karen joined host Fleur East to reflect on their Strictly journey and the bittersweet experience of leaving the show.

When Fleur asked if performing a dance he loved softened the blow, Harry replied thoughtfully:

“To be fair, this whole Strictly journey was something I’ve always imagined doing. I’d always wanted to learn the samba — I said that straight away. It’s one of those dances that brings the party, so it’s nice to go out on a party.”

Karen praised her partner for his dedication and passion throughout the competition, adding:

“He was already bringing everything every week. He gave it his all, and I couldn’t be prouder.”

Harry and Karen were on It Takes Two (Credit: BBC)

The professional dancer went on to say that Harry’s growth could have gone “even further,” calling their elimination “sad” but acknowledging how far he’d come.

Harry, in turn, expressed admiration for the overall standard of dancing this season, describing it as “amazing for people to watch.” He added that what truly mattered to him and Karen was that the audience “enjoyed” their samba performance over the weekend.

Karen also shared how emotionally challenging it still is to face the dreaded dance-off, despite her many seasons on the show.

“It’s absolutely heartbreaking to be there,” she admitted. “You never want your celebrity partner to experience that, because you think, ‘what else could I have done to help?’”

Harry waxed lyrical about his time on the show (Credit: BBC)

As the pair watched their highlights reel, emotions ran high. Harry, visibly moved, said quietly:

“Phew, that was tough, wasn’t it?”

He went on to thank everyone involved in the show — from Karen and the fellow pros to the production crew — crediting them for making Strictly Come Dancing so special.

“The real magic of Strictly is the people,” he said. “Everyone behind the scenes, all the dancers, the celebs — they make it what it is.”

Karen returned the sentiment, telling Harry:

“Everyone just adores you. And I get to be your friend — because you’re not getting rid of me, I’m sorry!”

She concluded with a smile:

“It’s been a privilege.”

As Strictly continues into another dramatic week, the remaining celebrities are gearing up for the next big milestone — performing in Blackpool, one of the show’s most iconic locations. The question now is: can La Voix survive another dance-off, and will Vicky top the leaderboard once again?

Fans won’t have to wait long to find out — Strictly Come Dancing returns this Saturday (November 15) at 6:25pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, while It Takes Two airs on weekdays from 6:30pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.

(Source: BBC / Metro Entertainment / The Independent)