Why AJ Pritchard’s new GB News role drew criticism

What did AJ Pritchard do on GB News?

AJ Pritchard presented a segment on The Saturday Five, a GB News programme. It was his presenting debut for the channel, broadcast on Saturday 3 October 2026. ¹

The segment focused on shoplifting and what Pritchard described as petty crime. It included footage of Conservative MP Robert Jenrick confronting suspected shoplifters, according to the Evening Standard. ² Pritchard also referred to police figures for recorded shoplifting offences, though the reports do not provide enough detail to assess those figures independently. ²

Why are people criticising AJ Pritchard?

The criticism described in news reports has two strands. Some comments focused on Pritchard’s presenting style. Others objected to his taking a role on GB News, which The Independent describes as a controversial news channel. ¹

The Independent reported that viewers posted critical reactions, including comparisons with Pritchard’s acting. ¹ The Evening Standard also reported that a clip from the appearance circulated on X and drew criticism. ² These examples show that some viewers reacted negatively, but they do not tell us how representative those comments are of the wider audience.

Who is AJ Pritchard?

Pritchard is a British dancer and choreographer. He appeared as a professional dancer on the BBC series Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, and later took part in I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! in 2020, according to the supplied biography. ³

The Independent says he left Strictly in 2019 to follow his dreams. ¹ His move into presenting is therefore a change from the best-known television role identified in these sources, rather than a new connection to television altogether.

What does the backlash mean for ordinary viewers?

For a viewer, the immediate point is simple: this was one presenting appearance that attracted critical comments online. The available reports do not establish that the reaction represents most viewers, or that the role has been cancelled or changed.

It is also useful to separate disagreement with a presenter’s style from disagreement with the channel that employs them. The reports say both kinds of criticism appeared, but do not quantify either one. ¹² Readers should treat social media responses as examples of opinion, not as a reliable measure of public consensus.

What is still unknown?

The supplied reports do not say whether Pritchard will present further programmes, how long the role is intended to last, or whether GB News has responded to the criticism. They also do not provide audience figures or independent research into viewers’ reactions.

The reports concern a recent broadcast, so details may change. As of 6 October 2026, the sources establish the debut and the reported online criticism, but not what happens next.