AJ Pritchard opened up about his relationship with Strictly Come Dancing 2018’s Lauren Steadman, saying what he “loved most” about her. The professional dancer and the Paralympian, 26, narrowly missed out on the BBC show’s finale last weekend, after growing very close thanks to long days in training. Speaking ahead of the final, the 24-year-old remarked on her determination after being born missing her lower right arm. His comments came about after he was asked about choreography in the Telegraph’s Talking Strictly podcast.
AJ revealed: “I think the fantastic thing with Lauren is that she is so determined. Yes, when it comes down to the choreography I do think, well actually I’d usually grab her hand and obviously the hand’s not there.
“So it gives me a bit of a headache. But we just find ways to adapt it – the thing is, if I come in with a routine that is designed for normal hold and it doesn’t work, we’ll change it.”
The BBC continued: “The only one thing we have struggled with slightly, is the lifts as you’re used to pushing down 50/50 on two sides of two hands.
“That is a bit more unusual, more for me physically – I have to use my core a little bit more and somehow get you above my head, which seems to work every time.”
“I think so,” Lauren agreed. “I hate the idea of not being able to do something, so even if it didn’t go well at the beginning of the week – it’s staying in and we will get it by Saturday.”
It was then AJ gushed in reply: “That’s what I love most about you.”
Meanwhile, earlier today, he revealed his festive plans in view of his 320,000 Instagram followers.
“‘Don’t look at my face!!!’ Honestly so HAPPY to be coming Home for Christmas… LOVE you mum #family,” he wrote.
AJ was seen stood in front of his white care in a casual, quilted jacket and slim jeans.
He also opted for a white T-shirt, trainers and a dark baseball cap for his journey north.
Lauren on the other hand appeared to be in high spirits when she also posted on the picture-sharing app around the same time.
“Rolling into the weekend like…” she captioned a beaming snap of herself seemingly waving at photographers.
Just hours earlier, she stripped down to swimwear and a white dressing gown for some R&R.
“Long overdue! A spa day. Thank you @laurenelmer #relaxed #stressfree #spaday #girlsday #pampered #ageasbowl #hilton #massage #nomakeup,” she wrote.
Earlier this week, AJ Pritchard had a cosy night with Mollie King on Lauren Steadman’s birthday.
He shared a picture of him and the Saturdays singer alongside a Strictly Come Dancing videographer and a female companion.