AJ Pritchard: ‘The news is out’ Strictly pro shares announcement amid BAFTA disappointment

AJ Pritchard told his 358,000 Instagram followers the “news is out” after telling them to expect an “exciting announcement” on Sunday. The Strictly Come Dancing professional undoubtedly caused a stir amongst his fans as he revealed his plans for 2020, saying it’ll be “like no other”. The 24-year-old, who did not attend the BAFTA TV Awards 2019, will hit the road after the 17th series of the BBC One programme with his “dream” dance show. He said he would be acting as creative director and producer, as well as fronting the yet to be confirmed run of dates.

“The news is out,” AJ started. “I’m going back on tour! AJ LIVE 2020, my dream dance show which I will deliver to you as the creative director & producer.”

The pro continued: “This will be a show like no other with new concepts & dances like you’ve never seen. Tell me where you want the tour to come.

“Message me below & I’ll be watching to see where you want to see me perform, don’t forget to use #AJLive2020 when you post… Let’s do this!”

As no particulars have been confirmed apart from the month – March, it remains unclear whether his latest commitment will interfere with Strictly.

AJ has been a regular face in the competition since 2016, dancing with Claudia Fragapane, Mollie King and Lauren Steadman.

It comes just hours after Strictly missed out on a gong at the BAFTAs, which saw hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman attend.

Britain’s Got Talent triumphed in the entertainment programme category, beating Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show as well as Strictly.

AJ’s co-star and judge Shirley Ballas was also on the red carpet, where she broke her silence on Dame Darcey Bussell’s departure.

The 58-year-old said she is leaving “big shoes to fill” on the Strictly panel, but that she is confident the BBC will choose the right replacement.

The former ballerina announced last month that she was stepping down as a judge after seven years, sparking speculation about who will take her seat alongside Shirley, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood.

Shirley has now commented: “The BBC always get it right so as long as the person suits and fits in with the panel and they are fair and they judge without fear or favour and they are positive and kind, I think whoever they choose I’m very happy with, man or woman, I don’t mind.”

Asked about the space left, she said: “With Darcey she is such a beautiful human being.

“I think they are also big shoes to fill – she has been on that show for seven years.

“So I think it’s going to take somebody with a sense of humour, somebody that’s light-hearted, that has some dance experience that can bring maybe a little twist from what I do or Bruno or Craig.

“I mean, I’m just as interested as you are.”

Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One later this year.

source: express.co.uk