Strictly Come Dancing said a sad farewell to another celebrity contender last weekend, with former Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey becoming the sixth contestant to be voted off the 2025 series.
Top of the Leaderboard But Out the Door
The elimination came as a particular shock following an exceptional weekend for ex-Geordie Shore personality Vicky Pattison, who had just delivered her best performance of the series. Vicky and her professional partner Kai Widdrington scored an impressive 39 points for their Tango to Taylor Swift's 'The Fate Of Ophelia' during week seven of the BBC One dance contest on Saturday, November 8.
The performance wowed the judging panel, with Craig Revel Horwood describing it as "perfect" and Anton Du Beke confessing he was "a bit stunned" by its quality. Despite this triumph and securing their place in week eight, the weekend ended on a sombre note with Harry's departure.
An Emotional Farewell
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, known as Nitro on Gladiators, exited the competition with his professional partner Karen Hauer after losing Sunday night's dance-off against Drag Race UK runner-up La Voix and Aljaz Skorjanec.
Vicky Pattison was visibly moved by the news, taking to Instagram to share her feelings about Harry's exit. Posting a series of photos of the pair together, she wrote: "This one was a really difficult pill to swallow... @aikines."
She continued with a heartfelt tribute: "Harry, you are one of the genuinely nicest men I have ever been lucky enough to meet. Everything you've done over the last few months - showing young men that it is ok to show emotion, to be passionate, kind and that even the biggest and strongest men can also be vulnerable has been truly inspiring to watch."
Judges' Decision and Harry's Graceful Exit
The dance-off decision saw Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood, and Shirley Ballas all opt to save La Voix and Skorjanec. Motsi Mabuse, who held the deciding vote this week, confirmed she would have made the same choice if necessary.
Upon his elimination being confirmed, Harry gave a gracious exit speech, thanking his professional partner: "I just want to thank Karen, genuinely, you have given me an opportunity to shine. You've understood my crazy brain."
He reflected on his unique journey: "I'm such a logical person, trying to dance – and obviously doing what I do: Olympic sprinter, Gladiator – now I'm trying to be a dancer. I just want to thank you so much for the time and effort, the hard work that you've given to me."
Harry concluded with an uplifting message, mentioning his daughter: "This is a celebration. I spoke to my daughter, and she didn't like seeing her dad sad. When she saw me sad last week, she was like, 'Daddy, what's wrong?' I wanted to show everyone that, no matter what happens, there's always a silver lining."
Vicky's final words to her departing co-star summed up the sentiment felt by many: "Love you, petal," she wrote, capturing the close bonds formed during the intense competition.
