Strictly Come Dancing star Tess Daly rushed to a support star as they admitted, “I had a breakdown”.

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The 56-year-old has been at the helm of the BBC programme since 2004, initially co-hosting alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth, before teaming up with Claudia Winkleman in 2014.

Viewers were taken aback in October when Tess and Claudia revealed they would be departing the show following the conclusion of the current series.

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Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who became the sixth celebrity contestant eliminated from this year’s competition, discussed the presenting duo’s impact during an appearance on BBC Breakfast on Thursday (December 11).

Speaking with presenters Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt, he reflected on their contribution to the show’s success, reports Wales Online.

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Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are leaving Strictly this year(Image: BBC)

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“It doesn’t feel real really, does it? Because obviously Tess and Claudia are two iconic presenters and part of the show, they’re ingrained in the DNA,” he remarked.

“And they do give you so much more value than what is obviously seen on TV because they’re around the whole process as well. I’m honoured to have been on their last series, because obviously the main focus is around them in that capacity, but it has been just such an honour to be around them.”

Charlie then enquired: “So, have they kind of kept their eye on you. And if you’ve had a low moment or not feeling that confident, do they do that for you?”

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Harry then disclosed a poignant memory he shared with Tess, explaining: “Tess and Claudia, they’re more than just presenters. They do give you a little uplift, they do tell you it’s amazing, even though it might not be amazing, especially Claudia.

“I remember having a little bit of a breakdown in episode one where, for me, I came away from my injury. I was finally channelling that energy of who I am and what I normally am, and Tess is there to guide you and help you through that moment.

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Harry Aikines-Aryeetey appeared on BBC Breakfast on Thursday(Image: BBC)

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“She did put her arm around me and console me and say, ‘Is it because of the injury?’ They know about you and what you’re going through. They’ve seen contestants come and go, but they’re really, really caring.”

Strictly spin-off programme, It Takes Two, broadcast a special episode honouring Tess and Claudia on Tuesday (December 9). Throughout the show, the presenting duo discussed their tenure on Strictly with host Fleur East, during which Tess made a heartfelt confession.

“We haven’t had time to think about [our exit] because we’ve been so into this series, so absorbed by it – such a brilliant series. All our focus is on that really, so I think it’s going to be a bit of a shock on the 20th. I might get emotional,” she said.

In other segments of the special episode, Tess and Claudia responded to light-hearted queries about themselves, shared their opinions on this year’s semi-finalists, and enjoyed a montage of their most memorable Strictly moments over the years.