Strictly Come Dancing star details ‘breakdown’ as Tess Daly stepped in to comfort them

Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly comforted a star during an emotional backstage moment

A Strictly Come Dancing star has detailed their “breakdown” as Tess Daly stepped in to comfort them.

The 56-year-old has been at the helm of the BBC show since 2004, initially presenting alongside Sir Bruce Forsyth before teaming up with Claudia Winkleman from 2014.

Viewers were stunned in October when Tess and Claudia revealed they would be departing the programme after the current series concludes.

Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who became the sixth famous face to leave Strictly this year, spoke to BBC Breakfast presenters Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt on Thursday (December 11) about the presenting duo’s lasting impact, reports Wales Online.

View 2 Images

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are leaving Strictly this year(Image: BBC)

“It doesn’t feel real really, does it? Because obviously Tess and Claudia are two iconic presenters and part of the show, they’re ingrained in the DNA,” he explained.

“And they do give you so much more value than what is obviously seen on TV because they’re around the whole process as well. I’m honoured to have been on their last series, because obviously the main focus is around them in that capacity, but it has been just such an honour to be around them.”

Charlie then enquired: “So, have they kind of kept their eye on you. And if you’ve had a low moment or not feeling that confident, do they do that for you?”

Harry then disclosed a poignant moment he experienced with Tess, explaining: “Tess and Claudia, they’re more than just presenters. They do give you a little uplift, they do tell you it’s amazing, even though it might not be amazing, especially Claudia.

“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.

View 2 Images

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey appeared on BBC Breakfast on Thursday(Image: 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.”

Strictly spin-off programme, It Takes Two, broadcast a special tribute episode honouring Tess and Claudia on Tuesday (December 9). Throughout the show, the presenting duo chatted with Fleur East about their journey on Strictly, with Tess making a heartfelt confession.

“We haven’t had time to think about [our exit] because we’ve been so into this series, so absorbed by it – such a brilliant series. All our focus is on that really, so I think it’s going to be a bit of a shock on the 20th. I might get emotional,” she said.

Claudia remarked: “I think we will be emotional, but of course, it won’t be about us, it’ll be about the winners, so that’s quite good,” prompting Tess to respond: “We’re not allowed to cry.”

In other parts of the special episode, Tess and Claudia answered fun facts about themselves, shared their thoughts on this year’s semi-finalists, and took a nostalgic look back at a compilation of their best Strictly moments over the years.

Strictly Come Dancing is available to stream on BBC iPlayer