Strictly's Harry Aikines-Aryeetey fights back tears after 'emotional' performance

Strictly Come Dancing star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey became overwhelmed with emotion after taking to the dancefloor alongside his professional partner Karen Hauer. After performing the Cha-Cha to Salt-N-Pepa's Push It, the Gladiator struggled to fight back tears as he made his way to the panel of judges for feedback.

Noticing his emotional state, the concerned host Tess Daly asked the 37-year-old: "Are you alright, talk to me." As he struggled for words, Tess probed: "What's wrong?" Through his tears, Harry explained: "It's just, this time last year I wasn't able to do anything like that and I never thought I'd be myself again. It just feels so nice to be myself again." As the host highlighted his injury, the Olympian continued: "I had an injury and I didn't know if I'd be able to walk, run, and I just feel emotional."

Harry continued: "I've dreamt of that moment, and even though I did Christmas, I wasn't 100% and I'm here, I'm 100% so I'm thankful."

After being consoled by the host and his professional partner, Tess added: "Well, you should be so proud of yourself, right now we are so proud of you.

"You owned that out there, and thank you so much for a little bit of Salt N Pepa from Dave Arch, his brilliant band and fantastic live singers."

Tess then turned to the star and warned: "Harry, we love you to bits but brace yourself becasue we are going to Craig [Revel Howrwood] now."

The Olympic sprinter previously opened up about his injuries and revealed that they were sustained after pushing himself too hard, which ruled him out for several weeks.

According to Manchester Evening News, he said in 2023: "During training for series 2 earlier this year, I picked up an unexpected knee injury, which means I'll be shifting gears this series and sitting out the events.

That year, Harry was unveiled as Nitro in the hit BBC series Gladiators, but he sadly suffered a gruelling injury which forced him to withdraw from season two of the show.

At the time, he added: "But don't worry, I'm recharging and more energised than ever. You'll still catch me bringing the Nitro spirit to your screens, hyping up my fellow Gladiators, and keeping the energy sky-high. Bring on series 2 of Gladiators."

The star later told Express.co.uk: "I feel like I'm back to myself and it's quite nice to be able to give a full account of myself. You just appreciate it so much more. I was just walking at that point really.

"The Strictly team were so good in making sure they took care of me - they are really good at changing things and adapting them for what we can do. They look after us. I've conditioned myself, I've trained, I've been able to do everything well. I'm just so grateful to be back."