AJ Pritchard sobbed on US television as he revealed the sacrifices he’s made to achieve his dream of being a pro dancer on Dancing With The Stars.
The former Strictly dancer, 31, is competing to earn a place on the American version of the show and the intense pressure got too much in a new episode of The Next Pro.
AJ Pritchard burst into tears as the pressure of competing in America got too much Credit: dwts50/TikTok
AJ has delayed his wedding to fiancée Zara Zoffany Credit: aj11ace/Instagram
AJ was sitting crying when his fellow competitor Nina Mayster came to comfort him.
The Englishman said: “Just like the stress and exhaustion, especially when you do a routine and just want it to be perfect. For years and years I’ve wanted this and I don’t want to go home.”
Nina reassured him: “It’s not going to happen. Stop it. Don’t even think like that.”
Speaking to camera, AJ then said: “I put myself under maybe too much pressure. Because I want to show how much this means to me.
AJ said Strictly should have more British pro dancers, offending some of the show’s big names Credit: PA
AJ said he isn’t ready to return home as he competes to launch a career in the US Credit: Getty
“I’ve sacrificed so much to be here and do this. I’ve had to move my wedding. It’s overwhelming when I actually think about the lengths I’ve gone to.
“To not achieve what I’ve given up everything for would just be so disappointing.”
Zoffany in Hyde Park last June, two years into their relationship.
He said at the time: “Somehow, you reached a part of my soul I didn’t know was waiting for you. Blink, I can’t wait to spend forever loving you.”
More recently, AJ rubbed his former Strictly co-star up the wrong way with comments he made about the programme.
AJ, who appeared on Strictly for four series between 2016 and 2019, said he’d like to see more British dancers on the show to support homegrown talent.
Former Glitterball winner Oti, who is from South Africa, highlighted how many of the most popular Strictly stars are foreign.
She said: “Strictly is different. Out of all the brands, all the brands. No, we are global. Our professionals are global because that global mixture is what makes us beautiful and is what makes us special.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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