THEY DIDN’T HOLD BACK… AJ Pritchard thought his years on Strictly would give him an edge – but instead, the judges delivered some of their toughest feedback yet as he fought for a coveted spot on the U.S. version of the hit dance competition. One comment about his performance has fans talking, especially given his past experience on the ballroom floor. And with an unexpected twist waiting if he makes the cast, this competition just became far more complicated than anyone expected.

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STRICTLY professional dancer AJ Pritchard has been slammed by judges as he competed for a spot on the US version of the show.

AJ  is currently a contestant on the Dancing With The Stars new spin-off and is one of the dancers who is competing to win the title of The Next Pro.

A TV displaying a judge on the left and two male dancers on the right, from the show "DWTS: The Next Pro".
Strictly professional dancer AJ Pritchard has been slammed by judges as he competes for a spot on the US version of the showCredit: TikTok/dwts50

 

A television displaying a male dancer on "DWTS: The Next Pro" for "AJ & Jake Judges's feedback."
AJ  is currently a contestant on the Dancing With The Stars new spin-off and is one of the pros who is competing to win the title of The Next ProCredit: TikTok/dwts50

The long-running US version of Strictly has launched a talent search in order to find a pro dancer to join the next series of the show.

Hosted by former champ Robert Irwin, the show puts pro dancers through their paces as they battle it out to win a spot in the DWTS professional line-up.

Head judge of Strictly, Shirley Ballas, is judging the contestants alongside her son, Mark and Derek Hough.

However, the judges slammed AJ for his lack of energy when they gave him his feedback this week.

TV screen displaying three judges with "AJ & Jake Judges's feedback DWTS: The Next Pro" text overlay.
The judges slammed AJ’s lack of energy in his performanceCredit: TikTok/dwts50

 

Television screen displaying judge AJ Pritchard from "DWTS: The Next Pro"
Mark explained that he wanted to see AJ fight for his place in the showCredit: TikTok/dwts50

 

Television displaying a judge providing feedback on DWTS: The Next Pro.
Shirley explained that she wanted to see him take risks in his routinesCredit: TikTok/dwts50

 

Strictly Come Dancing 2019
AJ quit Strictly in 2020 to explore new projectsCredit: PA

As AJ stood in front of the judging panel, alongside former DWTS Juniors contestant Jake Monreal, Derek said: “I think you lacked oomph and a little bit of energy especially with what the music was giving us.

“So moving forward think about that, you can’t dance below the music.”

Mark Ballas added: “AJ technique was good, you’ve done this job before in Strictly so there’s a little more pressure on you.

“There’s killers on our show. If you are dancing next to someone like Val Chmerkovskiy (one of the existing US pros), I want to see you fight for it.”

Strictly Come Dancing 2019
AJ Pritchard partnered with many stars while on the show including Saffron BarkerCredit: PA

 

The Grand Prix Ball 2022 - VIP Arrivals
Should AJ win the title of The Next Pro, he faces an awkward run-in with his brother’s ex-girlfriendCredit: Getty

Shirley said: “AJ, I want you to take risks, I don’t ever want to get the feeling from you that you’re playing it safe.”

Shirley and AJ worked together on the BBC show for three years, before he quit in 2020.

At the time, the ballroom dancing champ, who is the older brother of Love Island star Curtis Pritchard, said he was “looking forward to a new chapter”.

However, should AJ win the title of The Next Pro, he faces an awkward run-in with his brother’s ex-girlfriend.

Love Island star Maura Higgins has been confirmed as the first contestant on season 35 of the hit contest.

The star has become one of the USA‘s most popular personalities after finishing second on the latest edition of The Traitors.

It comes as Shirley’s main TV gig, Strictly Come Dancing, has faced a complete shake-up over the last few months.

Sources called it a “bloodbath”, with the likes of Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Marquez all axed from the show.

Then, it was announced that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and former Strictly pro Johannes Radebe will be the new Strictly hosts.

It comes after Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly quit the show last year.