AJ Pritchard & Chloe Hewitt – Strictly Professional Dancers
Last Updated: July 8, 2025
Updated 13th September 2023
AJ Pritchard was a British professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing with a trophy shelf as long as the M6.
Reining European & British Open
National Youth Latin Champions.
Basically, AJ’s excelled throughout his career and has the titles to show for it. He’s also the youngest ever professional dancer to appear on Strictly Come Dancing
In 2020 AJ entered ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’. AJ joined the cast in North Wales Castle; Gwrych Castle
AJ became the seventh celebrity to be eliminated alongside Mo Farah.
The 2019 series of Strictly saw AJ partnered with YouTube sensation and social media star, Saffron Barker.
Sadly they left the competition in week 10 following their Samba routine to Walking on Sunshine, which failed to brighten the Judges’ spirits, leaving them with a score of 26 and a place at the bottom of the leaderboard.
AJ since announced that he wouldn’t be returning to Strictly Come Dancing.
The 2018 series of Strictly saw AJ partnered with Paratriathlete, Lauren Steadman. Together they achieved some fantastic performances on the dance floor, making it all the way to the semi-final.
On joining Strictly in 2016 AJ said, “Watch out Strictly, here I come, it’s going to be amazing and I feel ecstatic!”
AJ won the 2018 series of ‘Celebrity Hunted’.
Learn all about AJ & dance partner Chloe’s dancing career, rankings, view photos, videos and read their latest news below
4* Weekend Breaks with the Stars of TV
Who better to teach you to dance than the professional dancers from Strictly Come Dancing? You can meet the stars, learn their steps and be captivated as they perform spectacular shows just for you.
Fri 19th – Sun 21st July 2024
5* Celtic Manor Resort Hotel
Newport, South Wales
⭐ Spend the weekend with your favourite stars of Strictly Come Dancing at the stunning 5* Celtic Manor Resort in South Wales ⭐
⭐ Join Gorka Marquez, Karen Hauer, Kai Widdrington, Nadiya Bychkova, Aljaz Skorjanec, Janette Manrara, Strictly Argentine Tango Choreographers Leandro Palou & Maria Tsiatsiani, British, European & World 10 Dance Champions Glenn Richard Boyce & Caroly Janes, Former World Professional Ballroom Champions Warren & Kristi Boyce plus The Tony Greenwood 15-piece Big Band ⭐
Amazing weekend! We were thoroughly entertained throughout. Highly recommend if you love dancing.
Teresa Doherty
2 months ago
Absolutely wonderful - can’t recommend enough!!
Hereward Gas
2 months ago
Paul Smith
2 months ago
An Unforgettable, Starry-Eyed Strictly Experience at the Celtic Manor Resort Hotel.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We came away completely starry-eyed as first-timers at the Donaheys Dancing With The Stars Weekend at the Celtic Manor Resort Hotel. An exceptional experience – incredibly well organised and it exceeded all expectations from start to finish.
The hotel was fantastic – great staff, a lovely room with a view, and a delicious variety of vegetarian options which we really appreciated.
As complete beginners, the 7 hours of dance tuition were inspiring and great fun. Learning from the Strictly professionals – Aljaž Škorjanec & Janette Manrara, Giovanni Pernice, Anton Du Beke, and Gorka Márquez & Karen Hauer – was a real highlight. They were so supportive and made everything enjoyable.
The evenings were pure glamour and glitz, with stunning professional performances. The Black Tie Ball with the Tony Greenwood 15-piece Big Band was brilliant – a perfect chance to practise what we’d learned.
Being among 400 like-minded people created such a fun, friendly atmosphere.
A truly memorable weekend – we would highly recommend it and will definitely be back!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
John Vaughan
2 months ago
My wife and I went to our 1st Donahey's Weekend in April @ Celtic Manor . We did have a preconceived idea as to how it would go but , honestly , we were simply blown away . The Hotel was magnificent . The quality of the food , service and facilities was top class . The 2 Ballrooms were superb . Getting to see the Strictly Stars up close was an incredible experience . They were each so kind , generous and patient and we had great fun learning 7 different Dances which we got to practice on the floor on Friday and Saturday evening . There are 4 levels so everyone can enjoy learning at their own standard . The people we met were fabulous and everyone mixed so well . The atmosphere was electric . Paul and his ' Dance Family ' were so lovely , approachable and helpful . Their organisation of the weekend was a fantastic ' 10 ' and the weekend flowed like an beautifully fluid Ballroom dance . We could go on and on but will finish by saying . If you love Strictly and enjoy dancing , a Donahey's Weekend MUST go on your Bucket List . You will not be disappointed . We are definately going back
John & Olive Vaughan ( Cork - Ireland )
PAUL DOWNS
2 months ago
Our first time attending a weekend of dancing with the stars. What an incredible experience.
The entire weekend was so professionally organised. The Donaheys Team are so friendly, helpful and attentive. We are complete novices with zero experience. The classes are structured into 4 categories, depending upon your experience. We were in the Red class for those learning steps for the very first time.
This worked so well. Going in with zero expectations (other than to enjoy) and leaving each class with some basic steps was really fun and fulfilling. The entire weekend was organised by people who seriously know what they’re doing!
To have your first classes ever being instructed by the likes of Aljaz and Janette, Anton, Giovanni and the wonderful Argentine Tango specialists Maria and Alejandro (who choreograph all the strictly Argentine Tango routines) was special. The British Showdance Champions, Rosie and David were a joy to watch and we really enjoyed their Foxtrot lesson. What lovely people they all are. So kind and warm.
The evening shows on Friday and Saturday evening were amazing. Intimate performances from all of the teachers and stars and some special guests from the World of dance and song!. Great entertainment. The shows were worth the fee!!
We have booked again for 2027 and we can’t wait. Would highly recommend, especially for those wanting a first dance experience or are looking to build on their basic skills and for those wanting a weekend of great entertainment.
The Celtic Manor is an amazing venue too. Loved it! Thanks to the entire Donaheys Team
Esther and Paul ❤️
Andrea Dobson
2 months ago
Huge congratulations to Paul and his fabulous team for delivering a fantastic weekend, absolutely jam packed with dance instruction, dance showcases and lots of fun. We were really looking forward to it anyway, but the whole experience completely surpassed are high expectations! Well done and thank you team Donaheys!
Martin Gerrard
2 months ago
I had been advised that I would enjoy the dance weekend but the experience exceeded any of my expectations... The hotel was wonderful, the Strictly dancers were as pleasant and helpful as they could possibly be, the organisation and timing of all the workshops was just perfect... I have already booked for next year and would recommend the dance weekends to anyone and everyone!!
Well done Donaheys!!
The Dream
2 months ago
Amazing weekend, it was our first time going and it was even better than expected, we have re booked to back next year. 💃💃💃
Wendy Rathbone
2 months ago
We had an amazing time at our first Donaheys weekend. We stayed at the Celtic Manor hotel in April 2026.
The organisation beforehand was excellent, with timely emails asking for information or confirming details. A very comprehensive email came out about a month ahead of time which dealt with all the details you need to know.
The weekend itself ran like clockwork. We had just the right amount of workshops, there was breathing space in-between, and we were never bored. There is a lot of dancing available, either in social sessions or the workshops.
All abilities are catered for in 4 separate workshops: absolute beginners up to more experienced dancers. It was lovely to see so many dancers with such a wide range of experience enjoying their dancing. We never felt judged or out of place on the dance floor or at any time.
All of the lessons were excellent and well structured. It was super exciting to be taught the cha cha by Aljaz and Janette, and the waltz by Anton. Every single Strictly star and all of the teachers were so kind, nice people and very helpful.
We have already booked for next year and strongly recommend it if you are thinking about it. The weekends do sell out!
All the Donaheys people were professional, kind and helpful and there was just a lovely vibe to the whole weekend.
Lorraine Dicker (Fred)
2 months ago
Wonderful weekend we just had at Celtic Manor with the Donaheys team
Fabulous line up of stars. Brilliant workshop on how to do certain dances. Wonderful friendly staff and guests. Had. A couple of minor issues which I want to thank Jackie and Tracy for sorting these out efficiently. Enjoyed it so much have booked for next year. Keep Dancing. 💃💃🕺💃
Richard Thompson
2 months ago
Just back from Celtic Manor. Unfortunately due to some knee surgery i wasn't able to dance. As always Paul and his team were on hand to make me as comfortable as possible. The showcases were exceptional with the youngsters quickstep routines my favourite. All stars were approachable and clearly enjoyed being part of Donaheys family. The DSI behind the scenes a very interesting addition. All booked for next year. See you all there.
Martyn Reid
2 months ago
Another wonderful action packed fun Donaheys weekend at the Celtic Manor, Newport.
Being tutored up close by the Strictly Stars and professionals in such a friendly environment was such a great experience.
Hats off to the Donaheys team too for making the whole event run so smoothly,
thanks for the memories,
Martyn & Nyree
Trudy Walmsley
2 months ago
Fabulous weekend. My first time and, with no dancing experience, I was a bit apprehensive. The weekend was really well organised, I learned far more than I expected and the accommodation was lovely. Thank you to all involved.
Hereward Gas
3 months ago
What a fantastic time we had at the De Vere Beaumont Estate Windsor, at the Donaheys dancing with the stars weekend. We had a fabulous dance lessons with the stars and in the evenings we watched the professionals incredible showcase dances. The black tie ball with a 15 piece band was fantastic. We love it so much we have already booked to return for our 4th years next year.Thank you Paul.Amy and all the Donaheys Team for all your hard work and for making it another memorable weekend.Looking forward to nest year .
Tony & Amanda
Nigel Skinner
3 months ago
Another fab-u-lous weekend of dance with Donaheys. This has been our 6th visit and it never fails to inspire us. Extremely well organised, fitting in so much in one weekend! We have already booked our 7th visit.
les williams
3 months ago
What an incredible weekend 👏
As a complete beginner (my only experience being classic Dad dancing at parties), I genuinely didn’t know what to expect but booking this was one of the best decisions we’ve made. My wife loves Strictly, I wanted to book something for a nice surprise, that she would enjoy. I found Donahey”s Online, so I booked. The professional line-up looked outstanding, and travelling from Lincolnshire to Berkshire turned out to be more than worth it.
Huge thanks to @mrantondubeke, @rosie_rw, @ellingtonlance, @leandropalou1, @maria_tsiatsiani, @pernicegiovann1, @david_and_rosie_, @michelle_tsiak, @simonearena_official, @kaiwidd and @laurenmayoakley, the level of talent was matched by the encouragement, patience and energy you brought. You made complete beginners feel comfortable and capable from the first step.
An unforgettable experience fun, welcoming, and brilliantly run. Paul, Shirley, Amy and the team should be incredibly proud of what they’ve created.
Safe to say… we’ve already booked again for 2027.
Beverley Gough
3 months ago
The Amazing Donaheys Dancing with the Stars Weekend
We have spent a fantastic weekend with Donaheys, Dancing with the Stars, at De Vere Estate Windsor
I can't speak highly enough of the entire experience!
The magnificent Donaheys Team are a highly professional Family run Team who deliver perfection every time.
It's fantastic to get up close and personal with the Strictly Stars in the dance workshops and photocalls. Truly an experience not to be missed.
And the Showcases are absolutely out of this world A-MAZ-ING! The organisation and precision of the entire weekend, coordinating the workshops for all abilities, from Beginners, and Intermediate to Advanced Dancers. This makes for an amazing experience.
The Team are extremely helpful and whatever your question, they are always on hand to help and advise.
The Donaheys Team work hard 52 weeks a year to bring Dancing with the Stars weekend to us. If you haven't been to one of these weekends, then you are in for a truly wonderful experience.
The is a 5* plus weekend in any of their resorts.
I highly recommend Donaheys dance weekends, you will fall in love with Dance, of that you can be sure!
Keeeep Dancing!
Beverley
Rosie Priestley
3 months ago
Great weekend
Jo Covey
3 months ago
THE BEST WEEKEND !! we had never attended one of these weekends before but we were not disappointed, the whole weekend exceeded our expectations. My husband and I are both in our 50’s and had never danced before ( apart from a taster at learn to dance in a day with donaheys) all the classes were amazing and such fun ( we were red band for beginners ) to be able to have classes with some of the strictly pros and other pro dancers was amazing. The showcases were brilliant and the black tie ball was fab to see everyone dressed up. All the donaheys team were fab and so helpful. Hotel was lovely just outside of Windsor and food was lovely a great choice. The whole weekend was so well organised and was great to meet other people who love dancing. We got home yesterday evening and I’m still buzzing from it. We have already booked to go again next year. I can definitely recommend this weekend and whatever your dance level you will love it !!
Roger N
3 months ago
An incredible experience. Brilliant performances from the stars. The Donahey planning and support throughout the booking and the weekend experience was exceptional. The hotel was great. Cannot thank Donaheys and their sparkling star performers enough.
Sharon Reed
3 months ago
Having joined the Donaheys team for our 3rd year at Alton Towers I can honestly say this is one of the best weekends of the year. Everyone is so happy and eager to learn and for us it is a joy to catch up with both the Donaheys team and all the other returning guests who have now become friends. My Mum and I want to thank everyone involved in creating these magical weekends. I am currently practicing at home with the fantastic online courses and can’t wait to use what I have learned on the dance floor next year!
Derek Bish
4 months ago
We had a fantastic weekend at Alton Towers hotel. From start to finish the weekend was superbly organised. All the Donaheys team are very friendly and helpful. We loved the lessons with the strictly stars, David and Rosie and Tony Bennett. The showcases were fab-u-lous!
The location is great and the hotel staff are brilliant. We have booked again for 2027 and can't wait!
Joanne Clark
4 months ago
It is always a fantastic weekend. Great to see Strictly stars up close but David and Rosie are always a highlight for me. Looking forward to next year.
Margaret Lloyd
4 months ago
10 of us had a FAB U LOUS weekend of dance and fun. Paul and the Donaheys Team are super friendly, kind and accomodating. They are all welcoming and helpful, both on the dance floor and off. The ballrooms are spacious and well planned, there is ample seating for the evenings entertainment. We learned new dances from the Stars, heard their personal stories and were blown away by their magnificent performances during their showtime.
Even thinking about them leaves me breathless!
David and Rosie were around at Practice sessions to help, their show was amazing. I love them ❤️
We ve booked for next year, choosing an alternative venue as it's nearer to travel.
AJ Pritchard Facts – Age, Dance Partners, Relationships, Awards, Tours
Reining European & British Open
National Youth Latin Champions.
British dancer AJ Pritchard, from Stoke-on-Trent, began to dance competitively at the age of 12. Learning to dance at his mum & dad’s dance school, Pritchard’s Dance Academy in Cheshire.
When AJ told his parents he wanted to dance for real, his parents found a partner from within the dance school who lived in the local village 15mins down the road, Chloe.
Since then, AJ & Chloe have represented England competitively around the world. AJ is the youngest ever professional dancer to appear on Strictly Come Dancing.
How old is AJ?
28 years old (born 5th November 1994)
Where is AJ from?
Sneyd Green, Stoke-on-Trent
Who was AJ’s last celebrity partner?
YouTube sensation and social media star, Saffron Barker
On joining Strictly, Saffron said, “I am really excited to go on the Strictly journey and am feeling very grateful for the opportunity! I’m looking forward to learning all of the dances, finding out who my partner is, getting to wear the costumes and to just experience this once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Is AJ in a relationship?
There’s always been plenty of speculation surrounding AJ’s love life.
AJ is reportedly dating reality star Zara Zoffany, after his split with professional dancer Abbie Quinnen. Abbie & AJ had been dating for 3 years.
What are AJ’s greatest dance achievements?
AJ started dancing competitively at the age of 12. During his nine year career he has accrued many titles along with his professional dance partner, Chloe Hewitt. These include, No.1 International Ten Dance Champions, two-time All England Youth Ballroom and Latin Champions, two-time Champions of Tomorrow Youth Ballroom and Latin Winners, two-time BDF DPA Star Champions Youth – Ballroom and Latin, British National and United Kingdom Youth Ballroom Champions, three-time British National Youth Latin Champions, three-time United Kingdom Closed Youth Latin Champions, European Youth Latin Champions, and British Open Youth Latin Champions. In 2013, the couple made it through to the semi-finals of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’. AJ also flexed his culinary muscle in Celebrity MasterChef 2018.
Who is AJ’s professional dance partner?
The equally talented, Chloe Hewitt.
What’s AJ’s favourite dance?
AJ’s favourite dance is the Paso DOble.
When did AJ join Strictly?
The boy with boundless energy joined Strictly in 2016 for series 14.
Who has AJ danced with on Strictly?
Claudia Fragapane, Mollie King and Lauren Steadman. He made it all the way to week 12 with both Claudia Fragapane and Mollie King, coming a respectable 4th and 5th, respectively. In 2018 he made it to the semi-final with Lauren Steadman.
Has AJ ever won Strictly?
Not yet. This is only his third series but maybe he’ll pull out all the stops with Saffron and snatch the Glitter Ball trophy.
Has AJ ever had a wardrobe malfunction on Strictly?
Not as such but his 2017 partner, Mollie King, claims her microphone pack repeatedly got in the way whilst dancing.
Chloe Hewitt began dancing at the age of 7, just a year after Strictly Come Dancing first aired on TV. Chloe began her dancing career at Pritchard’s Dance Academy. In 2013 Chloe & AJ appeared on Britain’s Got Talent, making it through to the semi-finals. Last year, Chloe and her fellow dance partner AJ Pritchard won one of the biggest championships in the world to become British Open Youth Latin Champions. That same year they also became European Youth Latin Champions.
In 2016 Chloe became part of the ‘Strictly Pro Family’. Chloe was involved in the group dances, assisting with choreography and appearing on Strictly’s spin-off programme ‘It Takes Two’
Over Chloe & AJ’s nine-year competitive career they have set records by becoming the National Youth Latin Champions for three years in a row from 2012-2014 in the two biggest British competitions.
Find out more information about the BBC TV programme Strictly Come Dancing
by checking out the BBC Strictly Come Dancing website www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing
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