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Strictly hunk exposes Claudia Winkleman's unlikely behind-the-scenes habit

One Strictly Come Dancing star has opened up about his time on the show, his partner Karen Hauer and what it was like working with former hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly

[Claudia Winkleman loved to scoff something rather unexpected when the cameras were off...]

Claudia Winkleman loved to scoff something rather unexpected when the cameras were off...(Image: CREDIT LINE: BBC/So Television/PA Media)

One hunky Strictly star has lifted the lid on Claudia Winkleman's on set activities that the public never see. Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who appeared on Strictly Come Dancing last year, opened up about his experience working with Claudia and her co-host Tess Daly during their final series.

While speaking to the Daily Express, the 37-year-old 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 star also admitted he was surprised by how frequently he saw Claudia munching on a packet of crisps: "I didn't realise Claudia loves Skips so much. She actually loves a packet of Skips. That shocked me," reports the Express.

[Harry Aikines-Aryeetey competed on the show last year]

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey competed on the show last year(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Guy Levy)

Harry was paired with Karen Hauer, who confirmed she will be leaving Strictly after 13 years as a professional. Her former partner 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 duo made it to the seventh week of the contest and Harry has now admitted that their toughest task was performing the Rumba.

He said: "Trying to put on a serious face was tough. It gave me and Karen the ick having to perform something fairly dramatic."

[The Gladiators star was partnered with Karen Hauer]

The Gladiators star was partnered with Karen Hauer(Image: HomeServe)

"That experience [Strictly] 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."

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