‘Strictly’ star AJ Pritchard 'accidentally reveals' he’s partnered with Saffron Barker

Strictly Come Dancing fans are convinced AJ Pritchard has let slip that he’s been partnered up with YouTube star Saffron Barker this year, having said they can “make it to the final” together.

The professional dancer and choreography appeared on BBC’s The One Show on Tuesday 27 August to talk about the upcoming series and the red carpet launch that was filmed the day before.

“Do you have any clue about who you will be paired with?” host Emma Willis asked, after the 24-year-old joked about not wanting anyone too tall.

'Strictly Come Dancing' professional AJ Pritchard may have let it slip who he's partnered up with this year. (BBC)
'Strictly Come Dancing' professional AJ Pritchard may have let it slip who he's partnered up with this year. (BBC)

Fellow presenter Matt Baker then turned to Pritchard’s brother Curtis and quizzed the Love Island star on which 2019 contestant would suit his older sibling best.

“Saffron [Barker],” he replied instantaneously. “Her height is a massive thing. Obviously, if you’re doing ballroom, you don’t want a woman who is a lot taller than you.

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Later, Pritchard started discussing his track record of reaching the semi-finals on the show, saying: “As they say, fourth year’s a charm... Straight to the final. I’ve got so many show ideas, it’s unbelievable.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - 2019/08/26: AJ Pritchard at the Strictly Come Dancing Launch at BBC Broadcasting House in London. (Photo by Keith Mayhew/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
AJ Pritchard at the Strictly Come Dancing Launch at BBC Broadcasting House in London. (Photo by Keith Mayhew/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

“They’ve just never come to fruition but I think with Saffron, we can make it to the final. There it is, I’ve thrown it out there.”

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"Why is AJ talking like he’s got Saffron and they’re gonna win?? Have I missed something?” a viewer wrote on Twitter during the show’s broadcast.

Meanwhile, another wrote: "AJ just said him and Saffron can make it to the final on the one show and i am : confused."

Others figured he was just being optimistic, adding: “AJ definitely hoping for Saffron. They’d be a good match actually.”

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One on Saturday 7 September.

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