Strictly Feud Erupts As Former Pro Tears Into AJ Pritchard’s ‘British Talent’ Plea
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional AJ Pritchard has come under fresh criticism after Karen Hauer publicly challenged his call for more British dancers to be given places on the BBC show.
AJ, who appeared as a Strictly professional between 2016 and 2019, recently argued that the programme should do more to showcase homegrown dance talent.
The 31-year-old said there were plenty of talented British professionals who could benefit from the enormous platform the programme provides.
“I would love to see more British dancers on the show,” AJ said, adding that he was proud to be British and believed offering opportunities more regionally could support dancers across the country.
But his comments have divided former Strictly professionals, with Karen becoming the latest star to push back against his position.
The Venezuelan-born dancer, who has appeared on the BBC competition for 14 series, insisted nationality should not be the deciding factor when professionals are selected.
Karen Hauer Hits Back at AJ
Karen argued that Strictly requires far more from its professionals than simply being technically accomplished dancers.
“As an immigrant, I’ve worked everywhere, and I think that our world right now is about seeing different things,” she said.
Karen also questioned whether enough British professionals with the particular skills required by Strictly are putting themselves forward.
She explained that successful professionals need to be strong teachers, confident communicators and capable of supporting celebrity partners through the intense pressures of the competition.
“You don’t just dance on Strictly; you’re a coach, you’re a therapist,” Karen said.
According to the professional, communication is just as important as dancing ability because contestants often arrive with little or no dance experience and must be guided through weeks of rehearsals and live performances.
Karen stressed that British dancers remain welcome to audition, but rejected the idea that nationality should automatically give someone priority.
She then directly addressed AJ’s argument.
“You don’t hear Americans say we need only Americans,” she said.
Karen pointed out that dancers frequently travel internationally to pursue professional opportunities and said people naturally take chances when they become available.
‘It Was a Little Bit Low’
Despite making clear that she remains fond of AJ and considers him an extremely talented performer, Karen admitted she was disappointed by his remarks.
“So yeah, it was a little bit low of him to say that,” she said. “Don’t say that.”
Karen also highlighted what she saw as a contradiction in AJ’s position.
The former Strictly star is currently competing on Dancing With the Stars in the United States, meaning he himself has accepted an opportunity outside Britain.
“I love AJ, I think he’s brilliant,” Karen said, before noting that he had taken his own opportunity in America just as other international dancers have done in Britain.
Oti Mabuse Previously Warned AJ
Karen is not the first former Strictly professional to criticise the comments.
Oti Mabuse previously addressed AJ’s remarks in a lengthy social media video, suggesting they could make it difficult for him to rebuild bridges with some viewers and people connected to the programme.
The South African-born dancer said AJ had made several public comments about Strictly as a brand before turning her attention specifically to his desire for more British professionals.
Oti argued that his latest position could prove particularly damaging.
“It’s gonna be tough for him to come back from this,” she told followers.
She suggested that some people may now find it harder to “warm to him” following the controversy.
AJ has framed his original remarks around creating more opportunities for British talent rather than excluding international professionals outright.
Karen, however, believes the global nature of the dancing industry is one of its strengths and that Strictly should continue choosing professionals based on the wide range of qualities the job requires.
With two former Strictly favourites now publicly challenging his comments, AJ’s remarks have sparked a much bigger debate over who should get the chance to step onto Britain’s most famous ballroom floor.
