Former Strictly star AJ Pritchard addresses speculation he is to appear on I’m a Celebrity

He was revealed to have signed up for I’m A Celebrity 2020 by MailOnline at the start of October. 

And now former Strictly professional AJ Pritchard has addressed the speculation that he is appearing on the show. 

The 25-year-old recently ruled out ever returning to Strictly Come Dancing as a professional, after quitting the show last year.

Ready for a challenge: Former Strictly professional AJ Pritchard has addressed the speculation that he is appearing on the I’m a Celebrity

And during an interview with the Mirror, AJ was asked if he was planning to visit Wales any time soon, as they quizzed him on an I’m A Celeb appearance.

‘We would love to do I’m A Celebrity together,’ AJ said, speaking alongside his brother and fellow professional dancer Curtis. 

Before AJ could say another word, Love Island star Curtis, 24, said: ‘I feel so sorry for anyone because when you’re in Australia and obviously everyone’s starving aren’t they.

‘They do the challenges for food, when you’re in the warmth and you’re hungry, you can get away with it.  

Challenge: The dance professional will take on gruelling challenges and be forced to endure freezing weather conditions at the ITV show's new location, Gwrych Castle in North Wales

Challenge: The dance professional will take on gruelling challenges and be forced to endure freezing weather conditions at the ITV show’s new location, Gwrych Castle in North Wales

Heading to North Wales: MailOnline revealed that AJ was set to appear on the show earlier in October

Heading to North Wales: MailOnline revealed that AJ was set to appear on the show earlier in October

‘But in Wales, in the peeing down rain, cold, winds, horribleness, and you’re starving as well, I feel so sorry for them.

‘It doesn’t rain in Wales does it?’ AJ asked, evidently tongue-in-cheek.  

‘It’s down for snow at one point, supposedly,’ Curtis cheekily told his brother.       

A source close to AJ has confirmed to MailOnline earlier in October that he will be heading to Gwrych Castle in Abergele as he prepares to star in his first big TV project since hanging up his dancing shoes.

The source said: ‘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.  

Ready: Hosts Ant and Dec visited the new set last week, where they posted on Instagram wearing matching camouflage outfits complete with compass and personalised water bottle

Ready: Hosts Ant and Dec visited the new set last week, where they posted on Instagram wearing matching camouflage outfits complete with compass and personalised water bottle 

‘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.’ 

AJ quit Strictly Come Dancing in March after four years on the series, telling fans he wanted to work on ‘opportunities in the presenting world alongside brother Curtis.’ 

Curtis, 24, rose to fame on Love Island last year, where he dated ex-girlfriend Maura Higgins, 29, and former romantic interest Amy Hart, 28. 

AJ and singer Mollie King, 33, reportedly had a fling during their time together on Strictly, while the star is now in a relationship with dancer Abbie Quinnen, 23.  

Moving on: AJ quit Strictly Come Dancing in March after four years on the series, telling fans he wanted to work on 'opportunities in the presenting world alongside brother Curtis'

Moving on: AJ quit Strictly Come Dancing in March after four years on the series, telling fans he wanted to work on ‘opportunities in the presenting world alongside brother Curtis’ 

In love: The star is in a relationship with fellow dancer Abbie Quinnen, who he isolated with during lockdown at his family home

In love: The star is in a relationship with fellow dancer Abbie Quinnen, who he isolated with during lockdown at his family home 

During lockdown the brothers joined forces for their Dress Up, Dance, Donate initiative, which helped to raise money for the NHS amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

I’m A Celeb has been forced to move filming of the series from Australia to North Wales this year as a result of ongoing travel restrictions.

Instead of facing Bushtucker Trials in the Australian jungle, stars will endure nights at Gwrych Castle, which is 200-years-old and believed to be haunted by a glowing woman wearing a red dress.

Ex-EastEnders actress Tamzin Outhwaite, 49, and TV host Vernon Kay, 46, are also thought to be taking part in the 2020 series. 

Vernon’s wife Tess Daly, 51, will resume her presenting duties on Strictly, which launches this month with a brand new cast, including soap actress Maisie Smith, 19, and Olympic boxer Nicola Adams, 37. 

Double act: AJ and Curtis, who appeared on Love Island last year, hope to secure more TV and presenting work as a duo

Double act: AJ and Curtis, who appeared on Love Island last year, hope to secure more TV and presenting work as a duo