Strictly’s Karen Hauer hits out at AJ Pritchard and says comment about ‘British talent’ was ‘low’ amid backlash

FORMER Strictly dancer Karen Hauer has weighed in on AJ Pritchard’s controversial comments on favouring British talent over international pros. Ex Strictly professional AJ has aired his opinion that the BBC should prioritise ‘home-grown’ dancers – instead of globally. Ex Strictly pro Karen Hauer has taken offence to AJ’s comments Credit: Getty Former Strictly star AJ Pritchard has shared some controversial views Credit: Getty AJ – who was a Strictly pro from 2016 to 2019 – told the Daily Mail: “I think one thing that’s really important for a show like Strictly is to really benefit the British dancers. “There are so many great British professionals who can really use this opportunity to showcase what they can do. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! “I think maybe in the past, people have been a bit chill, a bit playing it safe. I never play it safe. “Every single year, whether it be choreography, lifts, tricks, like, that’s what makes a routine exciting and that’s what makes the audience be like, we really like this couple.” He told The Sun last month: “I think, upsettingly, I would love to see more British dancers on the show. “We’re in the UK, I’m proud to be British and there are so many fantastic boys and girls out there who would love the opportunity. “So really kind of regionally, it would support the country that we are proud to be. I would love to see that, personally.” Karen, 44, has now followed in the footsteps of fellow pro Oti Mabuse and had her say. Most read in Showbiz The Venezuelan star – who appeared on the show for 14 series – told the Daily Mail: “As an immigrant, I’ve worked everywhere and I think that our world right now is about seeing different things. “Maybe there’s dancers here in the UK that don’t want to join the show, that haven’t come forward.” AJ on the BBC One show back in 2019 Credit: BBC Oti Mabuse hit back at AJ’s polarising comments Credit: Getty She added: “It’s a very unique casting. Not only do you have to be a good dancer, you have to be a good teacher, you have to be good at talking. “You don’t just dance on Strictly; you’re a coach, you’re a therapist, your communication skills have to be very good. “There’s a lot that goes into being a Strictly dancer. So if you want to come in and audition, that’s great.” Speaking about AJ – who recently came in second place on Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro – she continued: “You don’t hear Americans say we need only Americans. “We’re all immigrants, we’re all doing the best that we can and we’re all gonna take the opportunities that we can. “So yeah, it was a little bit low of him to say that. Don’t say that. “I love AJ, I think he’s brilliant. He’s very, very talented and he took an opportunity [in the US] and everyone will take the opportunities that come to them, so all good. “He’s always well spoken. I think he probably just didn’t really think about [his comments] too much.” South African-born Oti, 35, who appeared as a professional dancer on the BBC show from 2015 to 2021 was first to comment on the drama. Addressing whether it was ‘fair’ for AJ to participate given his prior experience, Oti said: “I think AJ has said a lot of things, both about Strictly as a brand. “I don’t even know how to word this… might have rubbed a lot of people the wrong way with his personality. We can admit that as well. “Him coming out in public and saying he wants British dancers on a British show because Strictly is [in] Britain.” She added: “It’s gonna be tough for him to come back from this because this was his second chance… it’s gonna be tough for a lot of people to now warm to him.” Comment now