AJ Pritchard has expressed strong support for Strictly Come Dancing's recent professional dancer overhaul, urging the BBC to prioritise British talent. The former Strictly star, who appeared on the dance competition from 2016 to 2019, praised the show's decision to part ways with five professionals earlier this year, including Venezuelan-American Karen Hauer, Spaniard Gorka Marquez, Ukrainian Nadiya Bychkova, Russian Luba Mushtuk, and Cypriot Michelle Tsiakkas. The overhaul was reportedly aimed at refreshing the show and attracting younger viewers.
AJ Pritchard's Call for British Talent
During a conversation with the Daily Mail alongside his brother Curtis, AJ Pritchard, 31, commended the BBC for making what he described as 'brutal axes'. He remarked, 'I was away when someone sent me links about people who were, let's say, thinned out the herd, and I was like, "whoa! They really went for it, didn't they?" But at the same time, I think one thing that's really important for a show like Strictly is to really benefit the British dancers.'
He continued, 'There are so many great British professionals who can really use this opportunity to showcase what they can do. I think maybe in the past, people have been a bit chill, a bit playing it safe. I never play it safe. Every single year, whether it be choreography, lifts, tricks, that's what makes a routine exciting, and that's what makes the audience think, we really like this couple.'
Potential Return to Strictly
Despite leaving the show six years ago, AJ has not ruled out a return. He previously hinted at a comeback as a judge if the opportunity arose. Meanwhile, he is trying his luck in the United States by appearing on a spin-off of the US version of Strictly, Dancing With The Stars. The show, titled Dancing With The Stars: The Pros, will follow dancers auditioning for a contract as a professional dancer on the main series, with 12 contestants competing.
If that does not work out, AJ has his sights set on the presenting roles vacated by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped down after more than 20 years. Teasing a return, he said, 'My diary, technically, in the second half of the year is not too jam-packed. I love dancing. I am always going to be on TV doing different dance shows. The one thing I always like to live my life by is always be ready. So I'm always physically fit, mentally fit, and always pushing myself. Through January and February, I was doing two or three dance classes a week at Pineapple dance studio, doing contemporary, jazz, Latin, ballroom, because I always like to keep myself at my best.'
His brother Curtis quipped, 'You could go back to make the final, you're a serial semi-finalist.' AJ reached the semi-finals three times during his four-year stint, finishing fourth with Claudia Fragapane in 2016, fifth with Mollie King in 2017, and fifth with Lauren Steadman in 2018.
Strictly Host Auditions
This week, reports emerged that Strictly bosses are holding last-minute presenter auditions as they scramble to secure a host, with the show set to begin its 24th series in five months. A spokesperson for Strictly Come Dancing told the Daily Mail, 'Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.'
London Marathon and Charity Work
Away from dancing, AJ and his brother Curtis are preparing to run the London Marathon on Sunday, April 26, for the end-of-life charity Marie Curie. They are also launching an EFT investment app called Fint, aimed at young investors. The brothers will run alongside AJ's fiancée, Zara Zoffany, in memory of their grandmother, who passed away during the pandemic.
Curtis said, 'Unfortunately, we have lost a few people at different ages through different cancers and situations. Giving people the best care and opportunities when it is coming to the end of their life is very special. It helps the kids, the adults, the parents, and everyone around them get comfort. What Marie Curie does is genuinely life-changing.'
AJ added, 'Marie Curie's role as the Charity of the Year for the London Marathon is important, but the charity is close to our hearts from when we lost our grandma. End-of-life care is so important when most people need dignity and help.'
On Tuesday, the pair unveiled 'The Daffodil Runner,' a sculpture made from 557 steel daffodils, representing the number of people who die each day in the UK without essential end-of-life care. The sculpture is located near Tower Bridge at Potters Fields Park before moving to ExCel London and eventually being permanently housed at the Marie Curie Hospice in Cardiff and the Vale in Penarth.
