Strictly Come Dancing fans were left reaching for the tissues during an emotionally charged results show that combined a poignant elimination with a moving Remembrance Sunday tribute.
An Emotional Performance
The Sunday night broadcast on the BBC featured a stirring musical performance from James Morrison, who sang 'Fight Another Day', accompanied by a dance routine from Jowita Pryzstał and Neil Jones.
In a special segment honouring Remembrance Sunday, the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment performed alongside the Strictly professional dancers to Sam Fender's 'Remember My Name'.
This powerful group performance was pre-recorded, and it was this detail that struck a chord with many viewers. Fans quickly took to social media to express their feelings, with many noting the appearance of Amy Dowden, who is currently taking a break from the live shows as she recovers from her second mastectomy.
Viewers React on Social Media
One viewer posted on X, noting the pre-recorded nature of the segment, saying, "Amy dancing recorded in August, then, hate these 'Sunday' shows and dances recorded months ago."
Another emotional fan commented, "Love seeing Amy in the performance. I am sobbing." The sentiment was echoed by a third who shared, "Dancing to Remember My Name by Sam Fender on #Strictly making me VERY emotional."
Another viewer admitted the performance had a profound effect, writing, "Not one for sentiment when it comes to war, but brass bands really do choke me up #strictly." Yet another was moved to tears, stating, "That was a beautiful pro dance and the music was spot on, can't believe I'm now in tears over strictly. I almost never cry, yet I've cried two shows in a row tonight!"
Harry and Karen's Exit
The emotional evening culminated in the elimination of one celebrity couple. Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and his professional partner Karen Hauer found themselves in the dreaded dance-off against La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec.
Both pairs performed their routines again; La Voix and Aljaž reprised their Foxtrot to 'Make Your Own Kind of Music' by Cass Elliot, while Harry and Karen performed their Samba to 'Samba' by Gloria Estefan.
In the end, it was a unanimous decision from the judges, who all voted to save La Voix, sending Harry home.
When asked by host Tess Daly about his experience, Harry was gracious. "I think, first things, I just want to thank Karen, genuinely, you have given me an opportunity to shine," he said. "You've understood my crazy brain... I just want to thank you so much for the time and effort, the hard work that you've given to me."
He also shared a touching anecdote about his daughter, saying, "I spoke to my daughter and she didn't like seeing her dad sad... I wanted to show everyone that, no matter what happens, there's always a silver lining. This is an experience for me. So, thank you for this lovely gift."
Karen Hauer also became tearful, telling Tess, "I am extremely proud. We've had the best time. You're such a gentleman, you're a hard worker, you listen... and it was an honour to teach you, so thank you so much."
