AJ Pritchard's own 'Strictly Curse' strikes again as he and Saffron Barker are axed
The Samba is cursed for AJ!
Last updated 25th Nov 2019
He's one of the most popular professional dancers on the show, and he was one of the favourites to win this year's Strictly Come Dancing with YouTuber Saffron Barker, but sadly AJ Pritchard and his partner have become the latest pair to leave the series.
After explaining his own personal 'Strictly Curse' - that he's always gone out on the Samba - AJ and Saffron were feeling very nervous ahead of last Saturday's show, as that's the dance they were performing.
And unfortunately, AJ's personal 'Curse' struck again as he and Saffron found themselves in the bottom two against Karim Zeroual and Amy Dowden, with the judges choosing to save Karim.
Whilst most curses on Strictly are related to romances between the celebrity and the professional dancer, AJ feels 'Cursed' around the Samba, having been eliminated after performing the Afro-Brazilian dance over his last two years on the show.
Speaking to Rylan Clark-Neal on Strictly: It Takes Two, AJ said, "Unfortunately, the past two years, I’ve gone out on Samba." As Rylan replied saying, "Well, it’s been nice knowing you," AJ said, "This is not gonna happen, Rylan. This is going to be the year, Samba curse, gone."
AJ's partner Saffron also confessed the Samba is a really tough dance to learn, saying, '‘It’s tough. AJ’s told me it’s like one of the hardest dances on the show."
The pair have now taken to Instagram following their axe from the competition to share tributes to each other. Saffron wrote, 'So so many emotions.. I am so sad because my strictly journey is over but smiling because I so proud of myself for how far I’ve come. Sometimes you’ve got to give yourself a pat on the back and tell yourself you did good and that’s exactly what I’m doing right now.
'Thank you all for your continued support and to my amazing team (you know who you are) and of course to my incredible partner @aj11ace !! I couldn’t of wished for anyone else to of been partnered with. When i look back to week 1 & how nervous and scared i was, you always believed in me. Thankyou for your patience and all your laughs ❤️.' sic
AJ wrote, 'I’m so Happy & Proud of this young Lady. Saffron has defied my expectations at every turn, attacking each week with Positivity & a lust for life to inspire the nation. Just Thank You for Creating the most memorable & fanatic Strictly 2019 season for me. You will always be my 2019 Strictly Come Dancing Winner 😁🙌🏼... @saffronbarker @bbcstrictly.' sic
Check out which celebs will join the 2020 Strictly Come Dancing tour:
Saffron Barker
Saffron will be paired once again with AJ Pritchard!
Saffron said, "I absolutely love the glitz and the glamour of Strictly and feel so blessed to have been given this opportunity. It's been incredible, so what better way to see in the New Year than in a glittery costume, on tour, dancing for all the fans. Bring it on!"
Emma Barton
Emma is paired with Graziano Di Prima.
Emma said, "I've heard so many amazing things about the live tour from my friends who've done it before. As a performer, nothing compares to being in the moment and actually going out and performing in front of a live audience. I can't wait to do it all over again on tour!"
Mike Bushell
Mike is once again paired up with Katya Jones.
Mike said, "I'm so thrilled to be asked to go on the Strictly tour. I've loved my journey on the TV show and have lost a stone and a half in weight - that shows how good dancing is for you. I think I've shown that even a non-dancing dad in his 50's can learn some moves and hopefully I can inspire people in venues across the country too."
Kelvin Fletcher
Kelvin will be taking to the stage with Janette Manrara.
Kelvin said, "The Strictly experience is really like no other - the training and work that goes into it is immense. I feel like I've really pushed myself, but it's completely worth it. I'm very much looking forward to continuing this adventure on tour next year!"
Alex Scott
Alex is once again paired up with Neil Jones.
Alex said, "I'm really excited for next year's tour - I hope I'll get the chance to perform some of my favourite routines again. Strictly has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I'm thrilled that I'll get to dance for everyone who has voted for me on the TV series."
Catherine Tyldesley
Catherine will be reunited with Johannes Radebe.
Catherine said, "I'm so delighted to be continuing my Strictly journey on the live tour. I have absolutely fallen in love with dancing, so I can't wait to get back on that dance floor and perform for the Strictly fans once more. Roll on January!"
Karim Zeroual
Karim will be taking to the floor once again with Amy Dowden.
Karim said, "Dancing every week is such a buzz and I really love it. Performing live in some of the biggest arenas and meeting all the people who have supported me along the way is going to be an amazing and unforgettable experience."
Meanwhile, AJ and Saffron found themselves in the bottom two for the first time the weekend before at Blackpool, but it was Michelle Visage and her professional partner Giovanni Pernice who were eliminated.
After being saved by the judges, 19-year-old Saffron took to her Instagram page to write, 'Being in the dance off was the scariest and most emotional thing ever. 😭🥺 I’m so grateful for everyone that did vote for us, goes to show how watching the show live and voting really changes EVERYTHING. 💔
'Thankyou @aj11ace for being my rock that night and staying so strong when I was a total mess & to have put up with all my tears😂 This show means so much to me & im so grateful the judges saved us. ❤️🙏🏽'. sic
Strictly Come Dancing continues every Saturday evening.
NOW WATCH: Craig Revel Horwood reveals his favourite Strictly Come Dancing moment of 2019
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