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Strictly Come Dancing: AJ Pritchard leaving show to 'follow his dreams'

Last updated at 15:58
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Curtis and AJ PritchardGetty Images

Strictly Come Dancing star AJ Pritchard has announced he is quitting the BBC One show.

The dancer's spokesman said AJ is "going to follow his dreams" of presenting television programmes with his brother, reality TV star Curtis.

AJ joined the show in season 14, partnering with gymnast Claudia Fragapane. They finished fourth that year, which was his highest ever finish.

Claudia Fragapane and AJ Pritchard
Claudia Fragapane and her partner AJ Pritchard impressed the judges with their American smooth and zoomed to the top of the leader board.

He went on to dance in three more series, partnering Mollie King, Lauren Steadman, and Saffron Barker.

A statement by AJ's team on Twitter also thanked, "the team at Strictly... for giving him such a brilliant opportunity."

Will you miss AJ? Let us know in the comments below.

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63 comments

  • 😭😭NOOOOOOOOO!!!!

  • Other Strictly dancers are good too I hope AJ enjoys his new career !😜

  • My favourite time with AJ was when he was with saffron becuase they got the furthest. He makes everyone laugh as well. he is going to be well and truly missed.

    • Aqua Fox replied:
      They didn’t get the furthest, they got the least furthest!

  • Noooo AJ I've voted for you for 4 years. I hope you change your mind. I will miss you so much. You're on of my favourite dancers.

    • Cosmic Fox replied:
      Same!!

  • That's sad😭😢😥

  • what the what AJ can't leve he's one of the best :0

    • Aqua Fox replied:
      I know!

  • Noooooooooo!!!!! AJ was my favourite since the start ! I am his No.1 one fan and even got a hug from him when I went to see him in Peter Pan. I have got his autograph and everything! So my message to Aj is: If you ever change your mind, one fan will always be there! Please make your show a dancing competition!
    P.S. Reply to tell me your good bye message.

  • I don’t really mind I didn’t ever like him much. I was really upset when Kevin left though 😭

  • What . 😭 nooo ! He was my fav since the start . He was amazing !

  • AJ was my favorite i don't want to see him go

  • I’m going to miss you I was such a big fan of yours i would all ways vote for you hope you find something new that you love hopefully i see you soon on tv

  • 😪AJ was my fav male professional on strictly

  • i think he would be great at presenting because he was great at presenting the tour

  • I just went to see him live last Monday and he had improved and was more than amazing

    • extreme_book_lover replied:
      Lucky!

  • I think he is happier presenting shows like his brother, so everyone should be supportive of him and whatever he wants to do.

  • Nooo 😯😱😢

    [Edited by Moderator]

  • O that is so sad I found out like 15 minutes ago

  • He is literally the only reason i watch

    • Esme replied:
      Yep he is so good

  • That's sad but where is says 'Laura Steadman' her name is actually Lauren.

    • pixiedustgirl2010 replied:
      Yeah lol

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