Former Strictly Come Dancing pro AJ Pritchard admits to ‘accidentally slapping’ Saffron Barker in resurfaced clip

Former Strictly Come Dancing pro AJ Pritchard admits to 'accidentally slapping' Saffron Barker in resurfaced clip

I have read with great interest the recent reports about alleged mistreatment of celebrities by professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing. As someone who has followed the show for years and has always admired the passion and dedication of both the celebrities and the professionals, these revelations have left me feeling shocked and saddened.


In a recently unearthed video, ex-Strictly Come Dancing dancer AJ Pritchard acknowledged that he had inadvertently struck Saffron Barker across the face.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase it like this: During our stint on the show, Saffron, 23, and AJ were teamed up. However, an ancient video resurfaced recently, adding fuel to the fire following the recent controversies involving Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima.

In the nineteeenth series filmed in 2019, there’s an amusing video clip of the two standing together with a sign asking: “Did Saffron Barker get slapped in the face? Yes or No.”

Speaking to the camera, AJ asks if the accusation is true or not, before Saffron answers.

She admitted sadly that my anger was being provoked by AJ, and in an attempt to do so, he struck me across the face with both hands, causing me considerable pain.

Former Strictly Come Dancing pro AJ Pritchard admits to 'accidentally slapping' Saffron Barker in resurfaced clip

Former Strictly Come Dancing pro AJ Pritchard admits to 'accidentally slapping' Saffron Barker in resurfaced clip

About a year ago, AJ, aged 29, made an allegation against his partner Lauren Steadman, 31, for intentionally making her footsteps louder than necessary.

In a YouTube video, Paralympian Lauren stated that you needed anger management. In response, he clarified, “No, it’s about managing my passion instead.”

As a seasoned journalist with years of experience under my belt, I can’t help but be taken aback by the recent revelation regarding James Jordan and his past behavior towards his former dance partner Georgina Bouzova. Earlier this week, an old footage surfaced where he was heard making threatening remarks during their rehearsals for Strictly Come Dancing. He said something along the lines of dragging her across the floor and screaming at her if she forgot her moves.

The ballroom dancer and choreographer, aged 46, criticized the BBC strongly, stating that a significant portion of the footage they had used did not pertain to Georgina in any way.

In 2006, during the filming of the fourth series, there is a clip that captures him practicing with actress Georgina.

I’ve worked as a counselor for domestic violence survivors for over a decade, and from my experience, the behavior described in this sentence is extremely alarming and concerning. The man’s words and actions suggest a dangerous level of control and disregard for the woman’s wellbeing. He demands that she stands on one leg and dismisses her pain as insignificant, while also threatening her with violence. Throwing a chair across the room is a clear display of aggression and potential danger. It is essential that the woman gets help immediately from law enforcement or a trusted support system to ensure her safety. This type of situation is not acceptable under any circumstances, and it is important to remember that no one deserves to be subjected to such treatment.

He’s reacted to the Instagram clip with a fiery message, claiming it was manipulated for amusement and excessively dramatized.

After last week’s news of Graziano Di Prima being let go from Strictly due to a video depicting him kicking his dance partner Zara McDermott, older videos featuring a female dancer may now face accusations of abuse.

Former Strictly Come Dancing pro AJ Pritchard admits to 'accidentally slapping' Saffron Barker in resurfaced clip
Former Strictly Come Dancing pro AJ Pritchard admits to 'accidentally slapping' Saffron Barker in resurfaced clip
Former Strictly Come Dancing pro AJ Pritchard admits to 'accidentally slapping' Saffron Barker in resurfaced clip

As a lifestyle expert, I’d put it this way: Based on reports from The Mirror, when the male celebrity stumbled during our practice sessions, I’d find myself getting frustrated and letting out angry exclamations.

Despite facing difficult periods, the partnership wasn’t all detrimental. The duo managed to have harmonious moments together.

TopMob has contacted a Strictly representative for comment. 

As a devoted follower, I can’t help but share some exciting new developments. Following the suspension of my beloved dance sensation, Giovanni Pernice, aged 33, by the BBC – the first professional to face such consequences – I eagerly await more information on this intriguing situation.

An investigation is ongoing regarding bullying claims from at least three ex-contestants, among them Amanda Abbington, aged 50, who asserted that she developed PTSD following her training with the professional last year.

According to earlier reports, Amanda, Ranvir Singh, and Laura Whitmore allegedly held a heartfelt meeting to discuss their experiences while working with Giovanni on the show. This is a claim that Giovanni disputes.

Amanda left the production citing “private issues” prior to allegations that she requested performance recordings following an incident where “Giovanni accidentally stepped on Amanda’s foot during rehearsals, leaving her hurt.”

Former Strictly Come Dancing pro AJ Pritchard admits to 'accidentally slapping' Saffron Barker in resurfaced clip
Former Strictly Come Dancing pro AJ Pritchard admits to 'accidentally slapping' Saffron Barker in resurfaced clip
Former Strictly Come Dancing pro AJ Pritchard admits to 'accidentally slapping' Saffron Barker in resurfaced clip
Former Strictly Come Dancing pro AJ Pritchard admits to 'accidentally slapping' Saffron Barker in resurfaced clip

In my experience as a lifestyle expert, during the filming of the show in 2016, I recall Ranvir expressing concerns about working with Giovanni to the production team. Fast forward to 2020, and Laura shared her feelings of discomfort and even tears on a daily basis while dancing together with him. However, it’s important to note that Giovanni has denied all allegations against him.

The BBC is reportedly reviewing nine years’ worth of Strictly videos to verify or refute allegations made by three celebrities.

I was absolutely devastated when I heard the news last week about my favorite dancing duo, Graziano Di Prima and Zara McDermott. The unthinkable happened, and Graziano was let go of his professional duties following a distressing video that surfaced. In the clip, he was seen kicking his own partner, Zara. I couldn’t believe what I was witnessing.

Graziano’s representative acknowledged that he may have trained Zara forcefully, but they insisted that the depictions in the reports don’t match up with Graziano’s personal recollections of the events.

Moving forward, it has been argued that the Italian celebrity, now residing in Sicily once again, finds himself in a precarious position following the controversy.

Mark Borkowski, speaking on behalf of Mr. Di Prima, commented: “Recent news coverage has centered around an unfortunate incident that Mr. Di Prima expressed remorse for and issued apologies for when it occurred.”

A young man finds himself in a precarious position after being subjected to an overwhelming amount of unfiltered criticism, lacking depth and perspective.

Based on reports from behind the scenes, compelling video evidence of Graziano treating Zara unfairly led to the termination of his employment contract.

Graziano apologized for his departure from “Strictly” and admitted that his fervor to win could have impacted his training routine.)

Former Strictly Come Dancing pro AJ Pritchard admits to 'accidentally slapping' Saffron Barker in resurfaced clip
Former Strictly Come Dancing pro AJ Pritchard admits to 'accidentally slapping' Saffron Barker in resurfaced clip
Former Strictly Come Dancing pro AJ Pritchard admits to 'accidentally slapping' Saffron Barker in resurfaced clip
Former Strictly Come Dancing pro AJ Pritchard admits to 'accidentally slapping' Saffron Barker in resurfaced clip

‘Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.’

I understand that certain parts of this tale involve outside factors which I’m currently unable to disclose. However, I’m resolute in staying strong for my loved ones during this period.

‘I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future.’

In his post’s ending, he expressed gratitude to those who have aided him in his professional and personal growth. He mentioned that when appropriate, he would be sharing his experiences with everyone.

Furthermore, it came to light that Anton DuBeke, a former dancer now serving as a judge, became involved in the dispute when Laila Rouass accused him of using offensive language in 2009. He subsequently issued an apology for his actions.

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2024-07-21 03:34

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