Former Strictly Come Dancing pro Oti Mabuse has hit out at fellow ex-choreographer AJ Pritchard after he set his sights on the US and sparked controversy in doing so. In a lengthy TikTok video, Oti responded to a fan who asked whether the 31-year-old should've been allowed to compete as a contestant after starring on the BBC series as a professional. Laughing at the question, the beloved star prefaced: "That guy is so controversial, it's so funny."

The expectant mother then stated: "I think AJ has said a lot of things, both about Strictly as a brand and he might have rubbed a lot of people the wrong way with his personality." The South African native then referenced: "Him coming out in public and saying he wants British dancers on a British show because Strictly is in Britain," before pointing at herself, adding: "The most popular pros on Strictly have not been British."

"Even back in the day, we're going Vincent Simone, we're going Ola Jordan, we're going Kristina Rihanoff, we're going Natalie Lowe, those are the legends and they're not British."

She added: "Strictly is different, we are global, our professionals are global because that global mixture is what makes us beautiful and it's what makes us special.

"We can do an African group dance number, and it's not cultural appropriation; we can do a Spanish one." As Oti named the different nations on Strictly, she added Australians, then exclaimed: "Dianne [Buswell]! The most popular pro today is Dianne, not British."

Diverting back to AJ, the 35-year-old remarked: "He's gone off and left the biggest brand and just been really horrible about it, so that might rub a lot of people the wrong way."

AJ had previously called for more homegrown talent on Strictly and told The Sun: "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."

As for his decision to embark on a US venture, Oti applauded the star and responded: "Maybe his personality is a bit more palatable there. I don't think that we should feel a certain way about people trying to reach their dreams."

Reflecting on her own dancing journey, she added: "I don't think he should be stopped. I came from the German show, it would be absolutely insane if I would sit here every day and not be grateful."