AJ and Curtis Pritchard’s mother feared her sons would be shackled by showbiz: ‘I wanted my boys to have freedom to be lads’

The mother of AJ and Curtis Pritchard has revealed she feared her two sons could be shackled by the showbiz world.

AJ, 26, rose to fame as a pro dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, while his younger brother Curtis, 25, achieved recognition on the Irish version of Dancing Of The Stars, before appearing as a contestant on the fifth series of Love Island in 2019.

Despite their successes, their mum Debi, 48, has helped to keep them grounded, with the two often turning to her for advice.

She has revealed that she was previously reluctant to let her sons follow their dreams in the entertainment industry and wanted them to have the ‘freedom to be lads’.

Speaking to The Mirror, she explained: ‘There was no doubt they were going to go into showbiz as their life revolved around the dance school me and my husband, who was a ballroom champ, ran.

‘They were little darlings before they even started dancing but I wanted my boys to have freedom to be lads and have fun before they turned 11, which is when they decided to dance.

‘We knew how hard it was in any form of entertainment business, so we were reluctant at first.’

Debi also recalled having to ‘cajole’ AJ and Curtis’s dad into letting them become professional dancers.

She continued: ‘I am so proud of my boys. It’s nice to reflect because normally we are always on to the next thing and I don’t have time to pat them on the back and say they did well.

‘They always had a goal, a lot of their teenage years they sacrificed. It was the way it was.’

She added she believes they have both ‘have had to work so hard for each step’.

It was reported last month that AJ and Curtis have both been cast in Hollyoaks as twin brothers.

It’s been claimed the brothers’ storyline will see them involved in an opening of a dance school run by returning character Trish Minniver, who is portrayed by Denise Welch.

Talking about their new role, AJ told The Sun: ‘Our characters are fantastic, and we can’t wait for everyone to see how we bring them to life.’

Curtis added: ‘I am so excited to be working with my brother AJ on a show we grew up watching. I am also excited to continue our journey together with Channel 4 and E4.’

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