Strictly Come Dancing’s Vicky Pattison Pays Emotional Tribute to Harry Aikines-Aryeetey After His Surprise Exit

Strictly Come Dancing star Vicky Pattison has shared a heartfelt message following the shock elimination of her co-star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey during Sunday night’s results show — a moment that left fans and fellow contestants visibly emotional.

Taking to Instagram on Monday morning, the former Geordie Shore and I’m A Celebrity winner described Harry’s exit as “a really difficult pill to swallow”, after he and professional dancer Karen Hauer were voted out following a tense dance-off against La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec.

Despite delivering an upbeat and technically strong Samba to Gloria Estefan’s “Samba”, the judges ultimately chose to save La Voix — marking Harry as the sixth celebrity to leave the competition this series. (BBC Entertainment News, 2025).

---

“A genuinely wonderful man”: Vicky’s touching post

In a moving Instagram post shared with her 5.3 million followers, Vicky uploaded a carousel of behind-the-scenes photos and joyful selfies with Harry, accompanied by a message that praised his warmth, humility, and infectious positivity.

“Harry, you are one of the genuinely nicest men I have ever been lucky enough to meet,” she began.
“Everything you’ve done over the last few months — showing young men that it’s okay to show emotion, to be passionate, kind — has been truly inspiring to watch.”

Pattison went on to celebrate his resilience and charisma:

“The dedication and enthusiasm you brought to the competition week after week has been amazing. I know I speak for the entire Strictly family when I say we’re going to miss you so much!”

She also paid tribute to the dancer’s chemistry with professional partner Karen Hauer, writing:

“You and the gorgeous @karenhauer put on an incredible show for us every week. Watching your gorgeous friendship grow has honestly been a highlight for me.”

Vicky signed off her post affectionately:

“Love you, Nitro — and I hope you know how much joy you brought to millions of homes every Saturday night.”

Alongside the caption, she included a quote that seemed to sum up Harry’s vibrant personality:

“I like people who are vibrant disco balls of energy and refuse to tone it down.”

(Hello! Magazine, 2025).

---

Harry responds with gratitude

Harry, a decorated British sprinter and star of BBC’s Gladiators reboot (where he’s known by his arena name Nitro), replied warmly in the comments:

“What a journey it’s been! Thanking you all!”

Meanwhile, Karen Hauer responded with affection, writing:

“Love you, babe. Thank you.”

During Sunday’s broadcast, Harry gave an emotional farewell interview when host Tess Daly asked about his Strictly experience. Fighting back tears, he said:

“First things first, I just want to thank Karen — you’ve given me an opportunity to shine.”

He continued, reflecting on the journey:

“This has been a dream come true. I wanted to show everyone that no matter what happens, there’s always a silver lining. Thank you for this lovely gift. We carry on, we give it to them, and we continue to shine.”

(BBC Strictly Results Show, 2025).

---

Fans react to Harry’s exit

Viewers quickly took to social media to express disbelief at Harry’s elimination, with many arguing he left the competition too soon. One fan posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“Absolutely gutted — Harry brought pure joy every week. The man radiates positivity!”

Another wrote:

“Harry’s Samba was full of energy and fun. He and Karen deserved to stay!”

According to Metro UK, the episode saw a noticeable spike in online engagement, with “#StrictlyHarry” trending on X within minutes of the result.

Even The Independent noted that Harry had become “one of the most infectiously likable contestants of the season — always smiling, always supportive of others.” (The Independent, 2025).

---

Vicky shines at the top of the leaderboard

While Harry’s journey ended on a bittersweet note, Vicky Pattison’s night couldn’t have gone better. The reality TV favourite topped the leaderboard with an electrifying Tango to “Fate of Ophelia”, earning rave reviews from the judges.

Channelling her inner Taylor Swift, Vicky delivered a performance described by The Guardian as “fiery, emotional, and fiercely polished.” (The Guardian, 2025). Her Tango earned 39 points, including two perfect 10s from Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke, leaving only one point shy of a perfect score.

Craig Revel Horwood called it “a triumph of passion and precision,” while head judge Shirley Ballas praised Vicky’s “transformative confidence” since her first week on the show.

---

A bittersweet weekend for Strictly fans

As one contestant celebrates a career-high and another bows out, the weekend’s Strictly results served as a reminder of how emotionally charged this series has been.

With just a few weeks to go before the semi-finals, the competition is heating up — and fans are already calling this year’s cast “one of the most genuinely likable in years.” (BBC Strictly Blog, 2025).

But for Vicky Pattison, Harry’s departure hit close to home. Her post ended with a final nod to the camaraderie that defines Strictly:

“We’ve all been through this whirlwind together. It’s more than just a dance show — it’s a family. And we’ll miss you, Harry.”