AJ Pritchard, 30, announces engagement to model girlfriend as BBC Strictly star confirms news after awkward on-stage probe
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional AJ Pritchard and model Zara Zoffany have confirmed their engagement after TV presenter Lisa Snowdon accidentally revealed their news at the Smiley Charity Awards.
The couple, who began dating in 2022, had not publicly announced their engagement before Thursday night’s ceremony.
Host Lisa Snowdon let slip the news during an interview with Pritchard, leaving the dancer initially flustered before he embraced the moment.
The 30-year-old dancer then revealed he had proposed to Zoffany in London’s Hyde Park in what he described as a “very romantic” setting.
The unexpected announcement was captured on camera by Pritchard’s brother Curtis.
The awkward moment unfolded when Snowdown asked: “And just on another note, a little birdie told me, are you engaged? Have you just got engaged?”
Pritchard laughed nervously before replying: “Officially no.”
Snowdon quickly acknowledged her blunder, saying: “Oh I’ve just put you on the spot.”
Pritchard then confirmed: “But my fiancée is in the room somewhere up there with a lovely ring on. So we are not officially out there, but now we are officially out there.”
A red-faced Snowdon exclaimed: “It’s an exclusive!”
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Pritchard embraced the moment, adding: “This is an exclusive! I will now post the video of me and my lovely fiancée in Hyde Park getting engaged.”
Snowdon, feeling flustered, said: “Whoops! Congratulations. Amazing.”
Pritchard later told HELLO! magazine that Zoffany was “caught off guard” and “very happy” when he popped the question.
He revealed the engagement ring was made by one of Zoffany’s close friends.
Speaking about his new fiancée, Pritchard shared: “She’s so kind, she motivates me. You know when you’re feeling down, she lifts me up and always give me that support especially when you need it.”
The dancer described the proposal as “quite nice to have that memory for life.”
Despite speculation that he had proposed in Paris, Pritchard confirmed the romantic moment actually took place in London’s Hyde Park.
The couple had previously hinted at their engagement during Zoffany’s 30th birthday celebrations in February.
Zoffany had shared photos from her birthday bash on social media, including one where she displayed a dazzling diamond ring with the caption “MISS ENGAGED.”
For the celebration, Pritchard’s fiancée wore a busty red top and white mini skirt with matching knee boots.
The pair have been together since meeting on MTV show The Challenge in 2022.
Earlier this month, they enjoyed a couple’s date night with Pritchard’s brother and his girlfriend Ekin-Su Culculoglu during London Fashion Week.
Pritchard was previously in a relationship with dancer Abbie Quinnen for four years.
When asked about wedding plans, Pritchard joked: “I’ll enjoy the engagement for now.”
The news came as a surprise to the audience at the Smiley Charity Awards, including Pritchard’s brother who later teased: “It’s wild me saying that he’s going to be married. He was trying to keep it a secret, but now everyone knows!”
As Pritchard returned to his seat after the revelation, Zoffany greeted him with a huge smile.
The engaged couple shared a kiss before giggling together about their unexpected announcement.
Zoffany has previously appeared on reality TV shows including The Royal World and The Challenge, where she became friends with TopShop heiress Chloe Green.