AJ Pritchard Hits Out at Backlash Over New GB News Presenter Role

AJ Pritchard Addresses Backlash Over Career Shift to GB News

Former Strictly Come Dancing star AJ Pritchard has spoken out after his surprise emergence as a television host on GB News ignited widespread discussion across social media. The 31-year-old dancer and television personality initially surprised viewers earlier this month when he fronted a news segment focusing on shoplifting statistics, triggering immediate debate over his television career trajectory.

During an appearance on GB News’s The Saturday Five, Pritchard admitted that the public reaction was intense. “Social media went crazy,” he said. Reflecting on the sharp shift in his entertainment credits, he noted, “Apparently some people are surprised that I’ve gone from Drag Race to GB News.” While some online commentators found the transition unexpected or humorous, others questioned whether he had the journalistic skill set to anchor news programming and voiced concerns over his perceived alignment with the channel’s editorial stance.

Defending the Presenting Opportunity on The Saturday Five

Addressing the feedback directly on air, Pritchard maintained a lighthearted demeanor following a compilation of reactions from social media and podcasts. “Well, I do still love an absolutely fabulous outfit and a strong opinion and a dramatic entrance,” Pritchard remarked. After engaging in casual conversation with his fellow presenters regarding his time on Strictly Come Dancing, he transitioned to reading his statement: “Last Saturday I started my new job here, presenting, talking, smiling and waving on GB News – I did absolutely love it.“

Pritchard also acknowledged the volume of digital commentary that appeared online within days of his debut. “But apparently, by Monday I caused a backlash and I was trending on social media. As they say, ‘all press is good press’.” Turning to harsh industry and audience critiques regarding his presenting style, he continued: “They did seem to suggest that my entire career was completely over – yeah that was a bit painful to see. I mean, I’ve only hosted one show, it can’t get any worse.”

When offering a direct rationale for joining the network, Pritchard stated that his career decision came down to simple professional opportunity. “Well, I got the opportunity to host and I said yes,” Pritchard explained. “And apparently that is breaking news these days. So thank you to everybody who watched, commented and criticised. I feel like the criticism was with love, hopefully.” He concluded his comments to audiences at home with a plea: “Please do be kind.”

Social Media Fallout and Brand Critique

The controversy follows Pritchard’s recent participation in Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, where he missed out on securing a professional dancer position on the American competition series. That outcome prompted pointed remarks from online observers, with one social media user writing: “That DWTS rejection hit so hard his career exited stage left and he entered far right.”

Others expressed frustration regarding his public support of the LGBTQ+ community, citing his prior attendance at events like the 2022 Attitude Awards. One commenter stated: “The right wing grift is disgusting, to think someone who was actively supporting the lgbtq+ community a few years ago would platform themselves on one of the largest hate-fuelled ‘news’ programmes is just f***ed up to me.” Another user claimed: “AJ Pritchard having no choice to commit to the right wing but to get a check because the British dance scene don’t want to touch him with a barge pole.”

Industry experts have also weighed in on the transition. Paul MacKenzie-Cummins, a reputation management and personal branding consultant, spoke to The Independent about the friction caused by the signing: “He has built a personal brand rooted in positivity and LGBTQ+ allyship, yet he’s now fronting a channel repeatedly criticised for its treatment of underrepresented groups,” he explained. “That contradiction alone justifiably invites scrutiny. It is clearly a misjudged attempt to fast‑track a presenting career without understanding the reputational cost of the platform he’s chosen.”

Viewers have also remained divided over his live broadcasting delivery. One viewer remarked, “Look , AJ is very personable & I loved him on Strictly but he simply isn’t ready to present a 3 hour programme on your news channel.” Another suggested: “He was a bit better this week but his level is clearly more panellist than presenter.”

Why This Matters

Pritchard’s move from traditional reality entertainment to current affairs broadcasting highlights the reputational friction entertainment figures face when venturing into politically polarized television networks. For figures whose brands were developed within broad, mainstream formats like Strictly Come Dancing and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, aligning with controversial editorial platforms can challenge established relationships with fans, advocacy communities, and corporate sponsors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did AJ Pritchard join GB News?

AJ Pritchard explained that he joined GB News simply because the chance arose, telling viewers on The Saturday Five: “Well, I got the opportunity to host and I said yes.”

What previous shows is AJ Pritchard known for?

Pritchard gained prominence as a professional dancer on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, has appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, participated in acting roles on Hollyoaks alongside his brother Curtis Pritchard, and recently competed on Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro.

Why are critics unhappy with AJ Pritchard’s new role?

Critics and brand experts have pointed to the apparent contradiction between his previous active allyship with the LGBTQ+ community and his association with GB News, while other viewers have raised questions about his live presenting experience.