AJ Pritchard is quickly becoming one of the stand-out stars on this year’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, joining the cast of 12 famous faces.
Rising to fame on Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer, the 26-year-old has gone by the name “AJ” for the entirety of his professional career.
However, his full name is actually Alex Joseph Pritchard, shortened to “AJ” as a nickname.
AJ isn’t the only I’m A Celeb star to have a different stage name – EastEnders actor Shane Richie changed his surname decades ago, having been born as “Roche”.
It’s not known why AJ decided to abbreviate his name, though he was the only child in the Pritchard family to be given a middle name.
(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Growing up in Stoke-on-Trent, AJ is very close with his pro dancer brother Curtis Pritchard, who entered the showbiz world through the cast of Love Island last summer.
Their mum and dad, Debbie and Adrian Pritchard, run a dance school locally, with the pair specialising in choreography and fitness instruction.
AJ initially hoped to become a snowboarder but after an accident on the slopes, he decided to become a dancer instead.
His first taste of fame was during his stint on Britain’s Got Talent in 2013 when he auditioned alongside his professional dance partner Chloe Hewitt.
(Image: Dave j Hogan/Getty Images)
At the time, he had already adopted the name AJ, making it through to the live semi-finals thanks to his dancing skills.
However, his big break came in 2016, when he was recruited as a professional in the cast of Strictly and was partnered with Olympic gymnast Claudia Fragapane for his first season.
Though they landed in fourth place, AJ made his mark on the show, leaving the judges impressed with his creative choreography and energy on the dance floor.
(Image: PA)
In the years that followed, he was partnered with singer Mollie King, Paralympic athlete Lauren Steadman and vlogger Saffron Barker, though never managed to win the coveted Glitterball Trophy.
Leaving Strictly fans shocked earlier this year, AJ announced he would be quitting Strictly – conveniently freeing up his schedule to take part in I’m A Celeb.
Now, eight months after his surprise Strictly exit, could AJ be crowned the King of the Castle on I’m A Celeb?
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! airs each night at 9pm on ITV
