Tensions between former Strictly Come Dancing professionals Oti Mabuse and AJ Pritchard have returned to the spotlight, with fresh comments from Oti adding to reports of a long-running rift between the former colleagues.

The pair worked together on the BBC dance show, with AJ joining the professional line-up in 2016 and Oti already part of the cast. AJ left the programme after four seasons, while Oti remained until 2021 and went on to become a two-time champion.

Their relationship has come under renewed scrutiny after Oti discussed AJ during a TikTok question-and-answer session. She has previously accused him of having “rubbed a lot of people the wrong way” through comments he made about Strictly, particularly his desire to see more British professional dancers on the show.

AJ has previously said he is proud to be British and wanted more opportunities for British dancers on the BBC programme. Oti, however, argued that Strictly has always had an international identity and that its mix of dancers from different countries is part of what makes the show distinctive.

The disagreement has become even more relevant as AJ attempts to establish himself in the United States. He has been competing on Dancing With The Stars: The Next Pro, a competition designed to find a professional dancer who could join the American version of the show.

Oti recently gave a much more detailed assessment of AJ, separating his abilities as a dancer from his personality and approach to the competition. She acknowledged his talent and professionalism on the dance floor but questioned whether the way he approaches the competition would translate successfully to the American television environment.

She also suggested that AJ's behaviour could be linked to pressure and a desire to prove himself, while warning that his public image could make it difficult for him to win over American viewers.

AJ's American television journey has already involved considerable personal sacrifice. Earlier this month, he became emotional while discussing the pressure of competing for a permanent place on Dancing With The Stars, revealing that he had postponed his wedding while pursuing the opportunity.

The latest developments come at a significant moment for AJ. He reached the final of Dancing With The Stars: The Next Pro, but the competition concluded with Latin dancer Adele Zaikman winning the opportunity to join the professional cast of the US show. AJ and Selena Hamilton were the other finalists.

For now, the renewed attention on AJ and Oti has brought their years on Strictly back into focus, with their very different views on the show and AJ's attempt to build a new career in the United States keeping the former colleagues in the headlines.