Strictly’s AJ Prichard sparks rumours he’s quit the show for lucrative panto
STRICTLY Come Dancing star AJ Prichard has sparked rumours he's quit the show for a lucrative panto deal.
Fans feared the dancer won't be returning for the 17th series after he announced he's signed up to play Peter Pan at Dunstable's Grove Theatre, which launches on December 10.
That's five days before last year's Strictly final aired on December 15.
Thankfully, AJ has confirmed to The Sun Online he IS returning to the show - and will join the pantomime six days late.
It means the dancer will have to make a 40-mile trip north of London to perform in panto within 24 hours of the Strictly final if it's held on December 15 once again - and AJ reaches the final three.
Sharing a promotional panto poster, AJ told fans today: "YES I get to fly .. Playing Peter Pan 🙌🏼😂Super Excited.... #Panto (16th December 2019 - 5th January) @grovetheatredunstable."
It left fans worried he would missing from this year's Strictly line-up - and forced to miss the final.
One said: "What if u are in the strictly final?!"
Another chimed: "Rehearsals will be tricky if you make finals or semis on strictly. If anyone can do it you can bro."
Someone else asked: "Does this mean you’re not going Strictly?"
The talented performer will have to balance his time between rehearsals for both Strictly and pantomime.
It's after the 24-year-old bagged himself the lead role in his first ever pantomime.
The Sun Online exclusively revealed his new job as he showed off his bulging biceps as he was fitted in his costume.
At the time, AJ told The Sun: “Peter Pan has been one of my dream roles since I was a child. I’m really looking forward to my first pantomime and I can’t wait to not only come to Dunstable, but more importantly to fly to Neverland.”
The performer has been keen to take on more work outside of Strictly in the past year with guest roles presenting Blue Peter and and appearances on Celebrity Masterchef and Hunted.
Despite suffering a horrific nightclub attack with his brother Curtis over Christmas, AJ has been keen not to let the experience stop him from pursuing his dreams.
At the time AJ hailed his bro as a hero after he acted as a human shield by jumping in front of thugs to save his leg.
Curtis - who is now starring in Love Island - was left in need of knee surgery to save his dancing career after the vicious assault by a gang of eight thugs. AJ was badly bruised.
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He said: "Yes it is a vile situation, but honestly the love has been overwhelming. My brother is my best friend by choice and a superman."
Curtis added: “It could have been fatal.”
Putting it in the past, AJ is now looking forward to his acting career taking off this winter.
The show runs from Tuesday, December 10 to Sunday, January 5, with AJ joining from December 16.
Ticket prices start at £15.50.
- To find out how to buy tickets, visit
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