Former Strictly Come Dancing professional AJ Pritchard has sparked widespread public backlash on social media. The reaction followed his unexpected broadcasting debut as a segment host on the GB News program The Saturday Five.
The 31-year-old television personality presented a feature covering retail crime and petty theft across the United Kingdom. The broadcast incorporated video footage of Conservative Member of Parliament Robert Jenrick confronting individuals suspected of shoplifting in public spaces.
The Shoplifting Segment and On-Air Statistics
Opening the discussion on Saturday, October 3, Pritchard addressed viewers to highlight what he described as a growing normalization of low-level criminal offenses in British cities.
“Okay, so, right. We’re going to kick off with what I think is becoming a real problem. This country has petty crime and it’s starting to feel way too normal,” Pritchard told viewers during the broadcast.
During the segment, Pritchard cited official law enforcement records. These records indicated that police registered more than 507,000 shoplifting offenses throughout England and Wales over the preceding year. He argued that the cumulative effect of small-scale thefts inflicts severe damage on local commerce.
“Somebody walks into a shop, they pick up their meal deal, they fill their pockets with something and they walk out. Nobody stops them. Nothing seems to happen,” Pritchard continued, reading from the autocue. “And you might think, ‘It’s only a few pounds; what difference does it really make?’ But think of this: thousands of times, across every single shop, every single day, and suddenly, it’s not so petty at all.”
Social Media Backlash and Viewer Criticisms
A video clip of Pritchard’s broadcast quickly circulated on X, formerly known as Twitter. A significant number of users criticized his performance, his delivery, and his decision to accept a role with the controversial news network.
Comments ranged from critiques of his autocue delivery-with one user comparing his tone to a robot-to harsher evaluations of his ongoing television career moves. Other critics cross-referenced his past entertainment appearances, including his acting stint on the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks.
- Viewers questioned his transition into right-wing political commentary platforms.
- Fans of his earlier dance career expressed surprise at the shift in genre.
- Social media users contrasted his current role with his previous visibility in LGBTQ+ media, including a 2018 cover appearance for Attitude magazine.
Conversely, a small minority of viewers defended his on-air presence. They suggested he would settle into the role after gaining more experience reading from a teleprompter.
Wider Career Context Following US Stint
Pritchard’s new broadcasting gig follows his recent return from the United States. There, he competed in the dance competition series Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro. The dancer had postponed his wedding to fiancée Zara Zoffany in hopes of securing a permanent professional spot on the American franchise. He ultimately finished as runner-up to winner Adele Zaikman.
Before his US venture, Pritchard rose to household fame as a professional dancer on the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing between 2016 and 2019. Since quitting the program to pursue presenting projects alongside his brother Curtis Pritchard, he has participated in reality television formats. These include I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2020 and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins in 2022.
Representatives for AJ Pritchard have been approached for comment regarding the reaction to his GB News debut.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did AJ Pritchard make his GB News debut?
AJ Pritchard made his presenting debut on GB News on Saturday, October 3, hosting a segment on the channel’s program The Saturday Five.
What topic did AJ Pritchard discuss on his GB News segment?
He presented a feature covering retail crime and shoplifting in the UK. He cited police figures showing over 507,000 recorded offenses in England and Wales over the past year.
Why did viewers criticize his appearance?
Viewers criticized both his presenting style and his choice of broadcaster. Some social media users drew comparisons to his previous work and public profile supporting LGBTQ+ organizations.
What is AJ Pritchard’s background in television?
Pritchard is best known as a professional dancer on the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019. He has since appeared on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, Hollyoaks, and the US dance series Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro.
