Strictly Come Dancing professional AJ Pritchard has quit the BBC show.
The expert ballroom dancer took to social media today to confirm that he is leaving the smash hit programme and won't be making a return for the 2020 series.
'I have some news for you all. Please see the below statement from my team 💙 also sending my love to everyone in this difficult time, please keep safe,' the 25-year-old telly favourite told his fans.
Explaining that he is making a departure from the show to pursue presenting ventures alongside his reality star brother Curtis, AJ shared a statement reading, '“After four years on Strictly Come Dancing, AJ has decided the time is right to leave the show and follow his dreams to explore opportunities in the presenting world alongside his brother Curtis.
'AJ would like to thank the team at Strictly and everyone at the BBC for giving him such a brilliant opportunity. AJ would also like to send his love and gratitude to all who have followed and supported his career. He is excited for you all to join him on the next chapter of his journey.”'
Of course, loads of AJ's fans were gutted to hear the announcement, while the handsome dancer's Strictly colleagues sent him their love and pride.
'We ❤️you!,' wrote host Tess Daly and fellow pro Gorka Marquez added, 'All the best Mate!🙌🏻.'
'Goodluck 👏🏾❤️,' 2019 winner Oti Mabuse chipped in.
'Awww😭 gonna miss you AJ! But I wish you all the best for the future!💖,' continued one sad fan, while another simply added, 'Iam crying.'
AJ's younger brother Curtis rose to fame when he appeared on the 2019 series of ITV's Love Island.
Since finding love with stunning model Maura Higgins on screen, Curtis has landed presenting gigs on shows like This Morning and The Greatest Dancer.
The lookalike brothers have a close relationship and regularly share snaps of one another on their social media accounts.
It's not just AJ that possesses a penchant for dancing. Curtis previously appeared as a professional on the Irish version of Dancing with the Stars.
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