AJ Pritchard
AJ Pritchard talks to new about sibling rivalry, his girlfriend Abbie and his future on Strictly
Strictly favourite aj Pritchard is just days away from making his dream of starring in a live dance tour of the uk a reality. “tomorrow we get to see the full video wall behind us, the pyrotechnics, live fire… It’s not just a small dance show. It will feel like a concert,” he tells us during a break from rehearsals.
the tour will be a family affair for aj, 25, as he’ll be performing alongside his girlfriend of a year, abbie Quinnen, 23, and his younger brother, Love Island star Curtis.
“What I’m most excited about is seeing the audience’s reaction to our performance together and our energy,” he says. “We’ve always performed together but nothing on this scale.”
take it away, aj…
Hi AJ! Do you and Curtis ever get competitive?
It’s never not competitive!
It’s always in a positive and constructive manner, though.
Which of you is the better dancer?
If Curt was sat here now he’d be saying I’m the better dancer and he’s the better showman. he says he gets the crowds going.
Speaking of which, have you arranged for him to perform in his Love Island hot pants as promised?
For the audience’s benefit – and mine – I’ve not put him in hot pants. I’ve put him in slightly baggy swimming trunks [laughs].
Disappointing! Do you two ever argue?
yes – we’re like two old women!
Has he ever been envious of your Strictly success?
No, he’s seen how hard I’ve worked so he’s always been happy for me, and vice versa.
Will you be returning to Strictly this year?
hopefully. I’ve had four fantastic years and I’d like to think a fifth is on the cards.
Who would be your dream dance partner?
Obviously, her Majesty the Queen, but that probably won’t happen. One of the little Mix girls would be nice – like Jesy Nelson. they have wicked personalities.
Do you believe in the Strictly curse?
Because you’re so swept up and busy, if there’s a crack in a relationship, all it’s going to do is make it more obvious.
Oti Mabuse has said she wants an older dance partner this year after rumours about her and Kelvin Fletcher…
For me, I just want to dance with someone with a good personality. age doesn’t make any difference if there’s a relationship there.
Do you enjoy working with Abbie on stage?
yes, but sometimes in the studio we have our creative differences and get a bit stressed. But we go home and make up.
Do you worry about mixing business with pleasure?
I do. We’re so busy with different jobs that when we go home we still have work on the brain. We work every single night. It’s not like we sit down, light candles and watch a movie together.
Is Abbie The One?
[laughs]. I feel like if I say something I’ll jinx it. I’m very happy right now.
Do you live together?
I feel like I should say yes because she’s at my house most of the time, but I think she just uses the washing machine!
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
My goal – and my brother’s – is to present a Saturday night show, whatever that might be.
In hot pants?
Oh, that could be the bonus round!
Karmel Doughty
AJ Live 2020 will be at theatres nationwide 6-21 March.tickets can be purchased at your local theatre or online at atgtickets. com and seetickets.com