'I worked with Claudia Winkleman – she will always have this item on set'
EXCLUSIVE: The former Strictly star admitted he was surprised by how much the presenter loved it.
If you're ever lucky enough to work alongside Claudia Winkleman, there's one particular food she's unlikely to be without. Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey appeared on Strictly Come Dancing last year and discussed what it was like working with Claudia and her co-host Tess Daly during their final ever series. The presenters announced last year that they would be stepping down from the show after 11 years co-hosting together, making the 2025 series their last.
Speaking to the Daily Express, the 37-year-old praised the presenters for how supportive they were towards the contestants throughout their time on the show. He said: Claudia's general demeanour is just amazing, same with Tess. The energy that she provides and the support, they were both so supportive. They're just awesome people and it was so nice to have been able to have that with them."
The TV personality also admitted he was taken aback by how often he saw Claudia tucking into a packet of crisps.
"I didn't realise Claudia loves skips so much. She actually loves a packet of skips. That shocked me," he confessed.
Harry, who was recently named the UK's first-ever 'Personal Drainer', was partnered with Karen Hauer, who confirmed she would be leaving Strictly after 13 years as a professional.
Reflecting on her exit, Harry said: "She's been a great servant to the show. I'm very fortunate and lucky to have been her last partner. For me, I've got nothing but respect and admiration for her."
The pair reached week seven of the competition, with Harry admitting their biggest challenge was performing the Rumba.
"Trying to put on a serious face was tough. It gave me and Karen the ick having to perform something fairly dramatic," he laughed.
The personal trainer, also known as Nitro on Gladiators, looked back at his time on Strictly fondly, but revealed he particularly enjoyed taking part in the tour after the official competition had concluded.
He said: "That experience was amazing. It was a learning lesson in terms of understanding a different craft and making yourself vulnerable. The tour for me was amazing, I really enjoyed the tour because you got to spend time with the whole cast and actually get to know more about them.
"When you do the main show, you don't get the opportunity to talk as much because you're never actually with them. The glitz and glam was lovely. It's a great show."
