Just weeks after he was announced as one of this year's professional dancers, fan favourite AJ Pritchard has revealed he's leaving the Strictly Come Dancing family.
Sharing a photo of himself on social media alongside YouTube star Saffron Barker, AJ told fans, '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.'
AJ's co-stars were quick to comment on his post, Oti Mabuse wrote, 'Goodluck 👏🏾❤️', with Gorka Márquez adding, 'All the best Mate!🙌🏻'.
The BBC also released a statement, adding, '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 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.'
Check out all of this year's Strictly Come Dancing professionals below:
Strictly Come Dancing 2022 professionals stacked
1 of 16Kai Widdrington
2 of 16Cameron Lombard
3 of 16Nikita Kuzmin
4 of 16Jowita Przystal
5 of 16Amy Dowden
6 of 16Dianne Buswell
7 of 16Giovanni Pernice
8 of 16Gorka Marquez
9 of 16Johannes Radebe
10 of 16Karen Hauer
11 of 16Katya Jones
12 of 16Graziano Di Prima
13 of 16Luba Mushtuk
14 of 16Nadiya Bychkova
15 of 16Nancy Xu
16 of 16Neil Jones
AJ is the second Strictly professional to quit the show in recent weeks. Kevin Clifron made the decision to leave after seven years.
Releasing a statement online, Kevin told fans, '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.'
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'Since first being called ‘Kevin From Grimsby’ by Sir Bruce Forsyth in 2013 I have experienced the highs of 5 finals, winning a Guinness World record on It Takes Two, the Strictly Arena tour glitterball and then the ultimate of winning the 2018 series with Stacey Dooley. After finishing last series with the Children In Need trophy and the Christmas Special I want to leave on a high and have therefore decided the time has come to move on and focus on other areas of my life and career.
'I want to thank all of the pros for inspiring me every day as well as all of my celebrity partners. The whole team behind the scenes have made always made the Strictly family what it is and the loveliest show to work for.
'Thank you to anyone who has ever voted for me and my partners. It means the world. And a special thank you to Jason Gilkison for always believing in me.'
Kevin then ended his message, saying, 'To me Strictly always has been and always will be the best show on tv and has been an absolute dream and honour to be a part of. Pre 2013 I used to watch every week. Now I look forward to returning to being a fan and cheering on my friends who keep dancing.'