Former Strictly Come Dancing professional AJ Pritchard has offered his candid opinion on the show's new presenting lineup, expressing particular enthusiasm for Emma Willis joining the programme. Pritchard, who danced on the BBC series from 2016 to 2019, shared his thoughts while attending the Goodwoof dog show at Goodwood over the weekend, where he taught dance alongside his brother, former Love Island star Curtis Pritchard.
Pritchard's Praise for Emma Willis
Speaking about the announcement that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and former Strictly professional Johannes Radebe would replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly as hosts, Pritchard said: "I'm excited to see Emma Willis in that role, because obviously in other roles she's great. She's so professional." He emphasised that the presenters' role is to guide viewers through the contestants' journeys, adding: "All presenters have watched that show. Everybody knows it so well that they don't want to wreck the format of it. They want to literally bring it alive, because everybody's such a super fan of it."
Dance Experience Not Required
When asked whether Emma or Josh needed dance experience to host, Pritchard defended the newcomers. "No. I think the presenter role... as a presenter you're there to present obviously, therefore you don't need dance experience. You need a love and passion for dance, and if you have a love and passion for dance - whether that be karaoke, dancing at a wedding - then you've got enough love." He added that the hosts must bring out the unique stories of each celebrity contestant, noting that every individual has a different journey on the show.
Fresh Energy Wanted
Pritchard concluded: "I hope that they bring fresh energy, allow the pros to be super creative and energetic, and just support the celebrities on their journeys cos it's a massive show, it's a smooth machine." The dancer, who remains a fan of the series, is set to appear as a professional on the American version of the show, Dancing With the Stars, starting July 13 on Disney+, ABC, and Hulu in the United States.
