AJ Pritchard Tears Up Over Wedding Delay for Dancing With The Stars Dream
AJ Pritchard has revealed he delayed his wedding to fiancée Zara Zoffany to pursue a professional dancer role on Dancing With The Stars: The Pros. The former Strictly dancer expressed the immense pressure and sacrifice involved in his pursuit.
Key takeaways
- AJ Pritchard has delayed his wedding to fiancée Zara Zoffany to compete on Dancing With The Stars: The Pros.
- Pritchard, a former Strictly dancer, is one of the final five competitors in the show.
- He expressed significant emotional distress due to the pressure and sacrifices made for his dream.
- His past connection with Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas, who is also judging the US show, was noted.
- The US Dancing With The Stars is viewed by many international dancers as a major career opportunity.

AJ Pritchard, a former professional dancer on the UK's Strictly Come Dancing, became emotional while discussing his participation in Dancing With The Stars: The Pros. He disclosed that he has postponed his wedding to fiancée Zara Zoffany to compete for a professional contract on the American show.
Pritchard, 31, is among the final five competitors vying for a role. He expressed the significant stress and exhaustion associated with the competition, stating his desire to achieve a long-held dream and avoid elimination after making considerable sacrifices.
The dancer proposed to Zoffany, 32, in March of the previous year, after they began dating in 2022. Pritchard acknowledged that he is placing immense pressure on himself to succeed, highlighting the emotional toll of his commitment and the potential disappointment if his sacrifices do not lead to his goal.
His participation in the US program has drawn commentary from former Strictly colleagues. Head judge Shirley Ballas is also judging the series, alongside her son Mark, who is a competitor. Another former co-star, Oti Mabuse, noted Pritchard's historical connection to Shirley Ballas as a dance teacher from his youth.
Mabuse suggested that the US version of the show is considered the primary international benchmark for the franchise, with dancers worldwide looking to its opportunities. She commented on Pritchard's chances, raising questions about his personality's compatibility with an American audience and his ability to connect with fellow contestants and professionals.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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