Val Chmerkovskiy had critical words for over his attitude and approach on the summer series : The Next Pro.
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DWTS Star Slams Arrogant British Reality Contestant
Val Chmerkovskiy had critical words for AJ Pritchard over his attitude and approach on the summer series Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro.The 40-year-old pr...
The 40-year-old professional dancer cited the interactions involving Pritchard, a 31-year-old dancer who's been seen on the One's Come Dancing, and dance partner Selena Hamilton, 21.
'I wish he wrapped that arrogance into a little softer presentation,' Chmerkovskiy, a three-time Dancing with the Stars champion, said Monday on his podcast Stepping on Toes. 'It makes good TV at his expense - I guess that's how I want to say it.'
Pritchard is vying to be this fall.
Chmerkovskiy told co-host he thinks the audition-like nature of the show might explain Pritchard's demeanor, with his past accolades in the field.
He said, 'I get it, you did your thing, you won some awards,' noting that other contestants on the show have as well, such as Natalie Jolley.
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Val Chmerkovskiy, 40, had critical words for AJ Pritchard, 31, over his attitude and approach on the summer series Dancing with the Stars : The Next Pro. seen in Miami in May
Chmerkovskiy said of the talents seen on the series: 'We've all got pedigree - everybody's won something.'
The recent episode of : The Next Pro saw the 10 contestants on the show divided into duos for a challenge focused on a personal story.
Pritchard, who's been seen on BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing, seen in London last year
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Chmerkovskiy, seen in Miami in May, says Pritchard needs to display more 'humility'
Chmerkovskiy is three-time Dancing with the Stars champion; seen with celebrity partner Alix Earle in 2025
Chmerkovskiy said while he 'can appreciate that' line of thinking, the onus falls on Pritchard for agreeing to do the show in the first place.
He said, 'Dude, then don't sign up for the show. But if you are going to show up, you've got to have humility in the sense that you've got to prove yourself.
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'There's a reason why you're here and no longer have a job there - so be here, be present, don't live in the past.'
Chmerkovskiy acknowledged that while Pritchard capturing the British Open Dance Championship marked a 'special moment,' it iced out Hamilton from sharing her own rich experiences.
'I'm not really sure why, because I'm sure she also lived a life and has stories to tell,' he said of Hamilton.
The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Chmerkovskiy and Pritchard for further comment on the story.
