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EX Strictly pro AJ Pritchard did not watch the launch show- he went to the races instead.

The dancer and his Love Island star brother Curtis enjoyed a luxury weekend away at Goodwood races with Jaguar, and documented their VIP getaway on Instagram.

AJ spent the weekend at Goodwood races so missed the Strictly launch last night
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AJ spent the weekend at Goodwood races so missed the Strictly launch last nightCredit: Instagram
Fans were devastated when he quit the show in 2020 to pursue a showbiz career with his brother Curtis
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Fans were devastated when he quit the show in 2020 to pursue a showbiz career with his brother CurtisCredit: aj11ace/Instagram

AJ, 26, looked dapper in a black tux and bow tie as he posed alongside a sportscar at Gooodwood races on Saturday night as BBC1's hit show Strictly returned to the screens during a sensational launch show where celebrity contestants were paired up with their pro partners.

AJ captioned his shot: "Suited tonight.. Goodwood Revival Ball."

His Instagram stories documented his spectacular night out with his brother Curtis as champagne flowed at the Goodwood Ball.

After staying overnight in a stunning mansion, the brothers drove off in a plush sports car to watch more racing on Sunday.

His girlfriend Abbie Quinnen told The Sun at the star-studded My Little Pony premiere, which is out on October 24: "I watched the show and loved it.

"I wasn't with AJ last night, he didn't watch it with me, he was at Goodwood watching the cars. My favourite was Rhys. He was so entertaining. He will go all the way, I'm sure."

The Sun revealed last year Stoke-on-Trent-born star AJ walked from the BBC1 series after four years  to pursue a presenting career with his brother Love Island star Curtis, 25.

Beeb bosses had already announced him as being part of the cast line-up earlier this year, but the heartthrob star performed a dramatic U-turn in recent weeks after getting cold feet.

A TV source said: “Strictly have now been left with a shortage of ‘star-attraction’ dancers and will struggle to find someone with AJ’s height and baby-faced good looks.

“AJ was more than ready to move onto new challenges."

AJ's girlfriend Abbie, who looked stunning in a green dress, spoke to The Sun about her Strictly favourite Rhys, at the My Little Pony premiere
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AJ's girlfriend Abbie, who looked stunning in a green dress, spoke to The Sun about her Strictly favourite Rhys, at the My Little Pony premiereCredit: Getty
AJ didn't watch the Strictly launch as he was having a blast with brother Curtis testing fast cars
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AJ didn't watch the Strictly launch as he was having a blast with brother Curtis testing fast carsCredit: Instagram
AJ quit after his sensational year dancing alongside influencer Saffron Barker
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AJ quit after his sensational year dancing alongside influencer Saffron Barker
He has now teamed up with his brother Curtis to for several projects
He has now teamed up with his brother Curtis to for several projects
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