'Worried' Strictly viewers predict Harry Aikines-Aryeetey will be in dance-off after mistake

Rebecca Carter | 8:36pm Sat 1 Nov | Updated 10:46am Sun 2 Nov

Strictly Come Dancing viewers have made a worrying prediction over Harry Aikines-Aryeetey after tonight’s live show.

Gladiators star Harry and his professional dance partner Karen Hauer performed an American Smooth for Saturday’s Halloween special.

However, during their routine, Harry made a small mistake and it was picked up during the judges’ feedback.

Tess Daly with Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer on Strictly
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey made a small mistake in his routine (Credit: BBC)

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey makes mistake during Strictly performance

All four of the judges, Anton Du Beke, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood spoke about the mistake.

Anton admitted: “I wrote down, ‘Lovely lyrical timing.’ I looked up and you went wrong, right in the middle of the room.”

I do want to apologise to you for my little mistake.

Shirley added: “Other than that little mistake, you did very well.”

Meanwhile, Craig said that he thought the performance “lost elegance”. He added: “I would suggest a softer approach for something like this. But I do love you darling, you do bring a lot to the table. You bring the heart and the soul of every dance you do.”

Motsi said Harry “held composure” during the slower moments in the dance and thought he “went a gear up after the mistake”.

Judges give their scores to Harry Aikines-Aryeetey on Strictly
Harry received 26 out of 40 for his American Smooth (Credit: BBC)

Judges give their scores to Harry and Karen

Following the routine, Harry and Karen joined host Claudia Winkleman to receive the judges’ scores.

Before the scoring, Harry said to Karen: “I do want to apologise to you for my little mistake. She works so hard on everything we do.”

Host Claudia Winkleman said: “No! We did not see it.”

Karen added: “It just breaks your heart because every day you’ve been doing it correctly. These guys get so nervous, it’s nerve-wracking. It broke my heart, but you know what picked my heart back up? The fact that you came back fighting.”

The judges then gave their scores, giving Harry 26 out of 40 (Craig – 6, Motsi – 7, Shirley – 6, Anton – 7).

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer on Strictly
Harry apologised to Karen for the mistake (Credit: BBC)

Viewers ‘worried’ for Harry

After the mistake and the scores, some viewers expressed concern for Harry facing the dreaded dance-off.

One person said on X: “Love our Harry, but I am worried for him tonight, so many great dances tonight…”

Read more: Strictly star James Jordan says Karen Carney won’t reach this year’s final: ‘She doesn’t have a hope in hell’

Another added: “Also worried for Harry.”

A third wrote, alongside a photo of them voting to save contestants: “1 for Harry who I’m worried could be in the dance-off.”