Harry Aikines-Aryeetey has revealed he suffered an emotional “breakdown” during the opening episode of Strictly Come Dancing and was quietly comforted behind the scenes by host Tess Daly.
The Gladiator star, who was the sixth entry eliminated from this year’s competition, spoke about the moment during an appearance on BBC Breakfast on Thursday morning, saying that the emotional surge was linked to his long recovery from injury.
Ms Daly, who has fronted Strictly since 2004, stepped in to support him backstage.
Her intervention came just months before she and co-host Claudia Winkleman announced they would be leaving the show after the current series concludes.
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Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer were the sixth couple eliminated from the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing | BBCMr Aikines-Aryeetey praised the presenting duo as “iconic” and “ingrained in the DNA” of Strictly.
“It doesn't feel real really, does it?” he said. “They do give you so much more value than what is obviously seen on TV because they're around the whole process as well.”
Calling it an “honour” to have appeared in their final series, he added: “Such an honour to be around them.”
The athlete went on to describe the emotional moment backstage in week one, emphasising how much the presenters support contestants when cameras are off.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey revealed that he suffered an "emotional breakdown"
| PA“Tess and Claudia, they're more than just presenters,” he said.
“They do give you a little uplift, they do tell you it's amazing, even though it might not be amazing, especially Claudia.”
Reflecting on his breakdown, he explained: “I remember having a little bit of a breakdown in episode one where, for me, I came away from my injury.
"I was finally channelling that energy of who I am and what I normally am, and Tess is there to guide you and help you through that moment.
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The GB athlete said Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly are "more than just presenters"
| BBC“She did put her arm around me and console me and say, ‘Is it because of the injury?’ They know about you and what you're going through. They've seen contestants come and go, but they're really, really caring.”
Ms Daly and Ms Winkleman discussed their impending departure on Tuesday’s It Takes Two.
“We haven't had time to think about it because we've been so into this series,” Ms Daly told host Fleur East.
“I think it’s going to be a bit of a shock on the 20th. I might get emotional.”
Ms Winkleman agreed they would likely shed tears, but insisted the finale “won’t be about us”.
“We will be emotional,” she said, “but of course, it won't be about us, it'll be about the winners.”
Ms Daly joked: “We're not allowed to cry.”
Ms Winkleman replied that afterwards they would “hold each other very tight and cry. Because it's a lot.”
Mr Aikines-Aryeetey said it was an honour to be around the Strictly presenting duo
| BBCThe Christmas Day special, already filmed at Elstree Studios, will mark their final appearance on Strictly.
Both presenters were recently honoured with MBEs in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to broadcasting.
Ms Winkleman received her medal from the King at Windsor Castle on Tuesday.
The pair were also recognised at the 2024 Bafta TV Awards, where Strictly won the Entertainment Programme category.
This weekend’s semi-final will see the remaining four couples, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, internet personality George Clarke, former Lioness Karen Carney, and West End star Amber Davies, compete for a place in the grand final.
Each pair will perform two routines.
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