EXCLUSIVE: Former Strictly star AJ Pritchard signs up for I’m A Celeb seven months after quitting BBC show
Former Strictly star AJ Pritchard has signed up for this year’s I’m A Celeb, MailOnline can exclusively reveal.
The dance professional, 25, will face gruelling challenges and be forced to endure freezing weather conditions as hosts Ant and Dec present the ITV series from North Wales for the first time.
A source close to AJ has confirmed he will be heading to Gwrych Castle in Abergele as he prepares to star in his first big TV project since hanging up his dancing shoes.
Heading to North Wales: Former Strictly star AJ Pritchard has signed up for this year’s I’m A Celeb, MailOnline can exclusively reveal
A source told MailOnline: ‘AJ is really excited – he can’t wait to get going and for the show to start.
‘It was always his aim to do more TV work after leaving Strictly and there’s no bigger challenge than I’m A Celeb.
‘He’s really into his fitness, is an early riser and a dedicated person – he hopes being part of camp will give viewers the chance to get to know him better.
‘The only downside is he won’t be taking part with brother Curtis, who he’s really enjoyed working with since lockdown.’
Challenge: The dance professional will take on gruelling challenges and be forced to endure freezing weather conditions at the ITV show’s new location, Gwrych Castle in North Wales
Ready: Hosts Ant and Dec visited the new set last week, where they posted on Instagram wearing matching camouflage outfits complete with compass and personalised water bottle
AJ quit Strictly Come Dancing in March after four years on the series, telling fans he wanted to work on ‘opportunities in the presenting world alongside brother Curtis.’
Curtis, 24, rose to fame on Love Island last year, where he dated ex-girlfriend Maura Higgins, 29, and former romantic interest Amy Hart, 28.
AJ and singer Mollie King, 33, reportedly had a fling during their time together on Strictly, while the star is now in a relationship with dancer Abbie Quinnen, 23.
During lockdown the brothers joined forces for their Dress Up, Dance, Donate initiative, which helped to raise money for the NHS amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Moving on: AJ quit Strictly Come Dancing in March after four years on the series, telling fans he wanted to work on ‘opportunities in the presenting world alongside brother Curtis’
In love: The star is in a relationship with fellow dancer Abbie Quinnen, who he isolated with during lockdown at his family home
I’m A Celeb has been forced to move filming of the series from Australia to North Wales this year as a result of ongoing travel restrictions.
Instead of facing Bushtucker Trials in the Australian jungle, stars will endure nights at Gwrych Castle, which is 200-years-old and believed to be haunted by a glowing woman wearing a red dress.
Ex-EastEnders actress Tamzin Outhwaite, 49, and TV host Vernon Kay, 46, are also thought to be taking part in the 2020 series.
Vernon’s wife Tess Daly, 51, will resume her presenting duties on Strictly, which launches this month with a brand new cast, including soap actress Maisie Smith, 19, and Olympic boxer Nicola Adams, 37.
Double act: AJ and Curtis, who appeared on Love Island last year, hope to secure more TV and presenting work as a duo