Strictly Come Dancing pro AJ Pritchard may miss live show due to illness

AJ Pritchard could miss Strictly Come Dancing 2017 this weekend due to illness.

The pro dancer is partnered with Mollie King, who has been in training with a back up dancer.

It wouldn’t be the first time a pro has been forced to pull out: Last year Brendan Cole had to sit a show out and so celeb partner Anastacia danced with Gorka Marquez.

And in the past, Johnny Ball saw his original pro Aliona Vilani withdraw before the first live show after injuring her leg. He instead danced with Iveta Lukosiute.

Speaking to The Sun newspaper, a source revealed this week: “AJ has been struck down with a bug.

“He really needs to lie down for the majority of the day as is temperature is up and down.

“He’s popping in every now and then to training to advise on the choreography, but he doesn’t want to give Mollie his illness.”

The insider added: “A back-up dancer called Patrick has stepped in and is dancing with Mollie.

“But AJ is in a real race against time to make it to the show on Saturday.”

Meanwhile, AJ’s dad has spoken out about rumours of a romance between his son and Mollie.

He told The Sun: “People have their opinions about whether they are now an item – you will have to ask AJ about that.

“But I think she’s great. I have met Mollie after every show. She is very nice, very easy to talk to.”

Strictly Come Dancing 2017 airs this Saturday night on BBC One with its Halloween special.

Then on Sunday night, one more celebrity will be given the boot in the latest results show.