Former Strictly star AJ Pritchard 'signs up' for I'm A Celebrity

He quit Strictly earlier this year!

Author: Alex RossPublished 8th Oct 2020
Last updated 21st Oct 2020

After four amazing years on Strictly Come Dancing, professional dancer AJ Pritchard left fans gutted back in March, when he revealed he'd quit the show to 'follow his dreams to explore opportunities in the presenting world' alongside his brother, Love Island's Curtis Pritchard.

Whilst the Coronavirus pandemic scuffed AJ's big plans, it sounds like fans will get to see the 25-year-old back on TV screens sooner rather than later, as he's reportedly signed up to take part in this year's I'm A Celebrity.

A source told the Mail Online, "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 an early riser, into his fitness 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.”

Check out the full rumoured line-up for I'm a Celebrity 2020:

Maura Higgins

With the news that Tommy has now pulled out of the show, rumours are rife that his fellow Love Island star Maura Higgins will replace him! Although Maura wasn't included in the cast announcement, reports are suggesting she could be a late arrival.

Reverend Richard Coles

He's no stranger to reality TV having appeared on Strictly Come Dancing back in 2017, but now it sounds like Reverend Richard Coles could be about to swap his dancing shoes for the jungle. According to reports, Richard has signed up for this year's series and will enter as a late arrival.

Ally McCoist

Scottish football legend Ally McCoist was reportedly in 'advanced talks' with bosses to appear on the 2024 series. The pundit has turned down the show twice in the past, and it looks like he's done the same again!

Tom Daley

After winning his fifth Olympic medal during the Paris 2024 Olympics, diver Tom Daley announced his retirement from the sport after the games, and bosses were reportedly keen to sign him up for I'm A Celeb!

Jeremy Clarkson

Following the last ever series of The Grand Tour, rumours were rife that Jeremy Clarkson is in demand with reality TV shows, with I'm A Celeb reportedly top of the list!

Tommy Fury

Following his shock split from Love Island fiancée Molly-Mae Hague in August, bookies were tipping Tommy Fury to sign up for the 2024 series! Ladbrokes said: "Reality TV chiefs will surely be queuing up to snap up Molly-Mae or Tommy following their shock split, and the odds suggest the latter could well be jungle-bound later this year."


However, just weeks before the start date, reports are rife that Tommy has pulled out of the show after getting a better offer for a rematch against KSI.

Mick McCarthy

After departing his managerial position at Blackpool FC last year, Mick McCarthy was being tipped to head into the jungle!

Giovanni Pernice

Following his removal from Strictly Come Dancing, ITV/STV bosses were reportedly keen to sign up Giovanni Pernice for the 2024 series, with Mail Online suggesting they are ready to splash out £100,000 to sign him. However, Giovanni then signed up for the Italian version of Strictly.

Richard Gadd

After shooting to intense fame earlier this year following the release of Netflix's Baby Reindeer, Scottish actor and comedian Richard Gadd was reportedly being lined-up by bosses for the 2024 series of I'm A Celeb.

Olivia Attwood

As fans will know, reality star Olivia Attwood was forced to quit the 2022 series due to medical reasons, leaving her gutted. Olivia later hinted she could return for the 2023 series, admitting she'd had chats with bosses during an appearance on Loose Women.


However, it looks like she won't return this year.

Alex Beresford

Good Morning Britain weather reporter Alex Beresford recently expressed interest in appearing on I'm A Celeb. He told the Mirror: "Out of all the shows I would love to do, I would love to do the jungle."


Alex recently appeared on BBC One's Celebrity Race Across The World.

Danny Dyer

Since Danny Dyer left his iconic role as Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter on EastEnders last year, he's been heavily rumoured for I'm A Celeb.


Of course, his family are no strangers to reality TV, with Danny's daughter Dani winning Love Island back in 2018.

Denise van Outen

The lovely Denise van Outen is no stranger to reality shows, having appeared on the likes of Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Gogglebox in recent years.


Denise has previously admitted she turned down the offer in 2021, but it looks like 2024 won't be her year either.

The Vivienne

RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne recently admitted she would love to appear on I'm A Celeb during a chat with Lorraine.


She said: "Do you know what, I've never thought about it but what an absolutely amazing opportunity that would be."

Phil Taylor

Ever since he admitted he'd 'love' to appear on the show a number of years ago, darts legend Phil Taylor has been heavily rumoured every year.

Will Mellor

Following his stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, it seems actor Will Mellor has the reality TV bug, as he's admitted to his friend and former co-star Ralf Little he'd fancy appearing on I'm A Celeb. Could 2024 be his year?

Harry Clark

The Traitors series two winner Harry Clark was reportedly being lined-up for the 2024 series. At the beginning of July, Harry appeared on Lorraine where he confessed he'd love to take part! Will we see him in the jungle?

Of course, if AJ is in the confirmed line-up, he won't be jetting off to sunny Australia like previous years.

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, ITV bosses previously announced the 2020 series of I'm A Celebrity will be taking place at Gwrych Castle, Abergele in North Wales.

Speaking in August, Richard Cowles, Director of Entertainment at ITV Studios, said, "The Australian jungle is such an integral part of the show it was a big challenge to find a UK location where we could continue to deliver what viewers love about I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!

"But Gwrych will definitely do that; the Castle sits in an amazing and atmospheric setting on a hillside overlooking the Irish Sea. While there will be plenty of changes required as we move from New South Wales in Australia to North Wales in the UK, we are really excited to see how we can adapt the format."

No further details have been announced about the show, but as you can imagine, it's certainly going to be a lot different from the usual rain forest in Australia.

Let's hope the 2020 camp mates pack a hot water bottle! 🙈

Find out everything you need to know about I'm A Celebrity 2020 right here.

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