AJ Pritchard has insisted that he has no regrets about leaving Strictly Come Dancing earlier this year and has ruled out ever returning to the show.

The 25-year-old competed as a professional on the ballroom series for four years but announced his abrupt exit in March, citing his desire to pursue a new career as a TV presenter alongside his brother Curtis Pritchard.

"I did four fantastic years on Strictly," AJ told The Mirror. "I'd reached what I had to do and felt, 'why not go out with a bang?'

"I think for me, I'm very clear in my thoughts and I've done four years, I'd want to keep that as such a cherished moment and not go back on there.

"I'd go back as something else maybe, but not as a professional dancer."

After a delay of several weeks due to coronavirus, Strictly returns for its new series this Saturday with the pairing-up show.