AJ Pritchard quits Strictly Come Dancing after 4 years to pursue TV career

The dancer wants to "follow his dreams to explore opportunities in the presenting world"
PA

Professional dancer AJ Pritchard has confirmed he has quit Strictly Come Dancing after four years on the BBC show.

In a statement released on Thursday, Pritchard said he would now focus on pursuing a TV presenting career alongside his brother Curtis.

Writing on Instagram, the 25-year-old said: "I have some news for you all.

"Please see the below statement from my team. Also sending my love to everyone in this difficult time, please keep safe. AJ x."

"After four years on Strictly Come Dancing, AJ has decided the time is right to leave the show and follow his dreams to explore opportunities in the presenting world alongside his brother Curtis," the statement from his representatives read.

"AJ would like to thank the team at Strictly and everyone at the BBC for giving him such a brilliant opportunity.

"AJ would also like to send his love and gratitude to all who have followed and supported his career. He is excited for you all to join him on the next chapter of his journey."

Strictly Come Dancing: Professional Dancers - In pictures

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Pritchard was most recently partnered with YouTube star Saffron Barker in Strictly's 2019 series. The pair made it to week 10 of the competition, which was eventually won by Oti Mabuse and Kelvin Fletcher.

He also danced with Olympic gymnast Claudia Fragapane, singer Mollie King and Paralympian Lauren Steadman.

He and younger brother Curtis, who was a finalist in the 2019 series of Love Island, recently appeared as dance coaches on RuPaul's Drag Race UK and launched a Dance Along challenge for Sport Relief. The siblings also recently embarked on a UK dance tour.

His departure comes just weeks after fellow professional dancer Kevin Clifton announced he was leaving the show after seven years

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