Strictly’s AJ Pritchard: ‘I shouldn’t have to define my sexuality’
"I just live my life".
By Will Stroude
Strictly Come Dancing star AJ Pritchard says he doesn’t believe he should have to “define” his sexuality.
The 24-year-old pro dancer, who was part of the BBC One show’s first ever same-sex professional dance rountine earlier this year, told The Sun that he was happy to leave his sexuality the subject of speculation.
“I don’t think I should have to define it”, he said.
“From the age of 12 when I decided to dance in high school, everyone was saying, ‘Oh, you’re a dancer’, and there was that kind of stigma about it.
“But I try not to think about it. I just live my life — but the support from the gay community is always fantastic.”
AJ, who will compete in the Strictly semi-final with his partner, Paralympic star Lauren Steadman, this Saturday (8 December), added that he was grateful for the support of gay men, especially when it comes to his
“It’s really great because they are always the best people to always be around. I love being around gay people, going to gay clubs.
“Obviously in this industry there happens to be more gay people, so it just seems to work perfectly — and it helps with the sales for the calendar.”
Strictly Come Dancing continues this Saturday 8 December at 6.35pm.