Strictly pros ‘had no idea’ AJ Pritchard was planning to quit show

He's set to work on a TV project with brother Curtis

AJ Pritchard

by Daisy Hall |
Updated on

You probably know AJ Pritchard as the baby-faced dancer who joined Strictly Come Dancing back in 2016.

Since then he’s appeared in multiple reality shows including Celebrity Masterchef and Celebrity Hunted; while his brother Curtis Pritchard appeared on series five of Love Island and - more recently - The Greatest Dancer.

And it seems that these brief moments in front of the camera have given the boys a taste for the ‘good life’ with AJ quitting Strictly to pursue his dream of a presenting career with his brother; something his fellow pros 'had no idea' about.

AJ recently released a statement from via team on Instagram, explaining: "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. AJ would like to thanks the team at Strictly and everyone at the BBC for giving him such a brilliant opportunity."

Apparently the brothers think that they could be the next Ant and Dec. Anyone who thinks that they can replace the nation’s most beloved duo (sorry, Holly and Phil) surely get points for confidence.

And Strictly pros Oti Mabuse and Karen Hauer have now claimed they had 'no idea' AJ was set to leave the show. If if they'd been told ahead of AJ's announcement, Karen said: "Absolutely not, it was a real shock to all of us. I had no idea, but definitely gonna miss AJ and Kevin [Clifton]."

Check out the most memorable Strictly moments ever:

Gallery

Most memorable Strictly Come Dancing moments EVER! SLIDER

Ann Widdecombe as Big Bird1 of 13
CREDIT: BBC

1. Ann Widdecombe as Big Bird

Bruce Forsyth shooing McFly off the dancefloor after Harry Judd won in 20112 of 13
CREDIT: BBC

2. Bruce Forsyth shooing McFly off the dancefloor after Harry Judd won in 2011

Gavin Henson snogging Bruno Tonioli3 of 13
CREDIT: BBC

3. Gavin Henson snogging Bruno Tonioli

Mrak Ramprakash getting tangled up with his partner Karen Hardy4 of 13
CREDIT: BBC

4. Mark Ramprakash getting tangled up with his partner Karen Hardy

Russell Grant emerging from a seashell5 of 13

5. Russell Grant emerging from a seashell

6. Nancy Dell'Olio's terrible Halloween performance6 of 13
CREDIT: BBC

6. Nancy Dell'Olio's terrible Halloween performance

Quentin Wilson gets the lowest score ever. Erm, 8 out of 40...7 of 13
CREDIT: BBC

7. Quentin Wilson gets the lowest score ever. Erm, 8 out of 40...

Ann Widdecombe's Paso Doble8 of 13
CREDIT: BBC

9. Ann Widdecombe's Paso Doble

John Sergeant's wasn't much better, mind you...9 of 13
CREDIT: BBC

10. John Sergeant's wasn't much better, mind you...

Bruce Forsyth and Anton du Beck join forces10 of 13
CREDIT: BBC

11. Bruce Forsyth and Anton du Beck join forces

Russell Grant gets shot out of a cannon11 of 13

Russell Grant gets shot out of a cannon

Ed Balls' EPIC Gangnam Style routine12 of 13
CREDIT: BBC

12. Ed Balls' EPIC Gangnam Style routine

Susan Calman totally killing it as Wonder Woman13 of 13
CREDIT: BBC

13. Susan Calman totally killing it as Wonder Woman

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The news comes shortly after Kevin Clifton revealed that he would be leaving Strictly.

He took to Instagram with a short statement, saying: "To the entire Strictly family. The past 7 years have been some of the most wonderful years of my life. I am grateful to the BBC and Strictly Come Dancing for giving me the opportunity to have been a part of something truly special."

AJ and Curtis may have some competition on their hands to become the next presenting duo as Kevin is currently dating Stacey Dooley, a television presenter and documentary filmmaker, with telly-insider-types claiming that ITV are interested in signing the pair.

Good luck to you boys and may the odds be ever in your favour.

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