It’s a brave move to break free from the Strictly juggernaut by the show’s youngest pro dancer.
He’s not lacking in confidence though, once the world number one for ballroom, AJ (Alex James) Pritchard is joined by his childhood partner Chloe Hewitt, along with his real life partner - and dancer- Abbie Quinnen for his debut live show, which he also choreographed.
He’s also brought his brother, Curtis, a talented dancer in his own right, on tour. Best known for his Love Island stint, he's not here for today’s matinee show at the Clyde Auditorium due to his Greatest Dancer TV commitments but appears on a big screen several times, more showman than Strictly pro.
There’s a fun moment when AJ interacts with a ‘Moira’ in the audience “oh, that’s a bit awkward," he says, making reference to Curtis' Love Island squeeze Maura.
It’s all good fun though. This isn’t the highly polished Strictly Live, things go wrong, the microphones give up at one point but they handle it with aplomb.
What follows is a two-hour jam packed and fun mix of Strictly-esque routines including AJ’s favourite Paso Doble and a gorgeous La La land-style Argentinian tango to Try by Pink with Abbie incorporating umbrellas.
AJ and Chloe juggle the high-energy dances with presenting duties as we sit in awe of the sheer fitness required to do that.
He gets a bit of a breather during an effortless Viennese waltz, for which he generally scores his highest Strictly marks and there’s an impressive sequence where the 25-year-old drums (very well) on a video link and tap dances on stage.
If you need a mid-winter post Strictly fix and who doesn’t, AJ Live is just the ticket.
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