Gladiator's Glitterball Dream Ends in Nail-Biting Strictly Dance-Off
The competition on Strictly Come Dancing 2025 intensified this weekend, culminating in the sixth and perhaps most dramatic elimination of the series so far. After a tense dance-off described as the most nerve-wracking of the season, Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey saw his journey for the Glitterball Trophy come to an end.
The Decisive Dance-Off
The stakes could not have been higher for Sunday night's results show. The leaderboard from Saturday was incredibly tight, with just a single point separating the two bottom-placed couples. Harry and his professional partner, Karen Hauer, had scored 30 points for their samba, while Drag Race icon La Voix and her partner, Aljaž Škorjanec, were at the very bottom with 29 points for their foxtrot.
This set the stage for a direct confrontation where everything was to play for. Both couples performed their routines again in a bid to save their place in the competition. La Voix and Aljaž reprised their foxtrot to 'Make Your Own Kind of Music', while Harry and Karen delivered their samba to Gloria Estefan's 'Samba' once more.
After both pairs had given their all, the judges were unanimous in their verdict. Head Judge Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood all chose to save La Voix and Aljaž. Motsi Mabuse, who held the casting vote this week, confirmed she would have also saved the drag performer and her partner, making the decision clear-cut.
An Emotional Farewell and Fan Reaction
Reflecting on his time on the show, the 37-year-old Olympian and father was gracious in defeat. Speaking to host Tess Daly, Harry first paid a heartfelt tribute to his partner, Karen Hauer, Strictly's longest-serving professional.
'I just want to thank Karen,' he said. 'Genuinely, you have given me an opportunity to shine. You've understood my crazy brain. 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.'
He added that the experience had been a 'dream come true' and a 'celebration', sharing an touching anecdote about his five-year-old daughter, Aubreé-Isla. 'I spoke to my daughter, and she didn't like seeing her dad sad... I wanted to show everyone that, no matter what happens, there's always a silver lining.'
Karen Hauer reciprocated the warm sentiments, telling Tess, 'I am extremely proud. We've had the best time. You're such a gentleman, you're a hard worker... and it was an honour to teach you.'
Viewers took to social media to share their thoughts on the elimination. While many expressed sadness at seeing Harry leave, a significant number believed the judges made the correct choice, noting that La Voix had improved her performance significantly in the dance-off.
One fan on X, @RyanSoapKing25, wrote: 'The correct result – I'm sad for the person who left but I feel that their time on the show was up when you consider the standard of the competition at this stage.'
The results show also featured a musical performance from James Morrison and a poignant Remembrance Sunday tribute from The Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment alongside the Strictly professionals.
With the competition heating up, the remaining eight couples will return to the dancefloor next weekend, all hoping to secure a coveted spot in the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom week on November 20.
