Strictly It Takes Two star 'gutted' as show forced into shake-up for Prince Harry

Strictly Come Dancing's spin-off It Takes Two was in a schedule shake-up on Monday night due to a heartwarming reason.

During the latest instalment, host Fleur East revealed she would be speaking to eliminated duo Olympic swimmer Tom Dean and professional dance partner Nadiya Bychkova following their exit over the weekend.

Tom, 24, and Nadiya, 35, found themselves in the dance-off against Neil Jones and Toyah Willcox, who were saved. Some viewers were frustrated that the swimming sensation and his professional dance partner were voted out on the first elimination.

Appearing on Monday's It Takes Two, host Fleur, 36, revealed that their interview was pre-recorded in a schedule shake-up due to a very special reason involving Prince Harry and the WellChild Awards.

Fleur explained: "Now Tom, the reason we're doing this a little early is because you're off to see Prince Harry! What's happening?"

To which Tom said: "I am! I'm seeing Prince Harry for the WellChild Awards, it's a charity that supports young people struggling with life-long diseases and it celebrates them and their carers.

"I've been fortunate enough to be invited along to present an award which is a real honour so this [It Takes Two] and then off to that. Glad I could do both!"

Talking about his Strictly exit, Tom said: "I definitely wanted to go further in the competition, I'm gutted, there's no two ways about it. I've thought about it loads and we've spoke about it loads, I did give it my all. There was nothing more I could have given. I loved every part of it."

He added: "I said, I don't know what more either of us could have done, it was genuine shock and I just wish I could have kept going, I really do." Nadiya echoed Tom's sentiments, saying: "It was a shock and I'm absolutely gutted that I won't get the chance to teach this wonderful man another dance", adding they had so many plans.

Tom said he was convinced they had done enough to secure another week on the show and admitted it was a massive shock to instead be eliminated. He added: "I just wish I could have stayed a part of it for longer!"

Later during the interview, the show played Tom's best bits to which the Olympian appeared visibly moved as he was comforted by Nadiya.

Strictly's It Takes Two continues on weekdays at 6:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.