EX-STRICTLY Come Dancing professional AJ Pritchard has admitted to ‘accidentally’ slapping a female celebrity partner in the face.
The 29-year-old was part of the BBC show between 2016 and 2020.
AJ was paired with YouTuber Saffron Barker back in 2019.
According to The Mirror, an old BBC clip of the two sees AJ nodding his head while the influencer explains that he “whacked” her.
In the “upbeat” footage, Saffron says: “AJ was trying to get the angrier side of me to come out, so he demonstrates, but actually whacks me round the face.
“I mean, both hands, slap. Like, it hurt.”
The Sun have contacted AJ’s rep for comment.
AJ and Saffron were the ninth to be eliminated from the 17th series of the show.
He has danced with the likes of Claudia Fragapane, Mollie King and Lauren Steadman on the programme too.
AJ quit Strictly to pursue his presenting career.
A number of Strictly professionals have come under criticism recently.
Last week The Sun revealed that Graziano Di Prima was axed from the hit show amid claims he hit, kicked and spat at his celeb partner from last year Zara McDermott.
Graziano said: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.
“Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.”
GRAZIANO Di Prima has addressed his Strictly Come Dancing sacking with a statement on social media - see the details below.
In a statement shared to his Instagram page Graziano wrote: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.
“Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.”
He continued: “While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
“I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future.”
He concluded the post: “I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.”
“While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
“I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future.”
“I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.”
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.
Earlier this week Zara took to Instagram to speak out for the first time.
She said: “I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports.
“Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV and one that I dreamt of being on since I was a little girl.
“When I was invited to be a contestant on the show it really was a childhood dream come true.”
Zara said she “fully understood” how much commitment and hard work would be needed on the show and insisted she is “resilient” and was ready to “put in whatever it took”.
She praised her fellow contestants and the production team, saying they were “amazing to work with” – but added her “experience inside the training room was very different”.
The star continued: “Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch.
“I have wrestled with the fear of opening up – I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming.
“But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I’ve gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show.”
Zara concluded: “The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak up, especially in a world where social media opinions and voices are so loud.
“This is something I’ve seen through working with countless women on my documentaries.
“I would like to thank the BBC & BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me – it really truly means a lot. Love, always. Zara.”
Amanda Abbington – who was on the show last year – has also made allegations against her professional partner Giovanni Pernice.
She allegedly told pals that the competition left her with post-traumatic stress disorder and she was seeking legal advice.
Giovanni, who has denied all allegations, was axed from Strictly in May.
Yesterday it was revealed that the Beeb faces a staggering £1m legal bill amid the Strictly probe with ‘injured’ celebs in line for physical and mental harm payouts.
