I don't understand the criticism either, I think AJ is doing a brilliant job with Claudia and they're an excellent match. His choreography is entertaining whilst also containing the core elements of dance to please Len, which is about all we can ask for really!

I have seen no evidence that he showcases himself at all, and I like the fact that he pushes Claudia so hard - I'd rather watch challenging routines, even if occasionally they might go a bit wrong, than safe and boring ones.

Personally I just don't enjoy his choreography and don't think he uses the music particularly well. I think he's very technical but for a show like Strictly he hasn't really understood yet how important the performance and the story of the dance is. You've got to make people feel something, not just impress them. The more experienced pros seem to get that better.

A lot of the pros have stand out personalities, people like Pasha, Anton, Aljaz, Kevin. I could name almost all of them apart from AJ. This means I've got a completely different view to the other posters. I think he needs to act up and start selling himself as a personality. When he goes onto the dance floor he needs to say "You know I'm fabulous, now look at what my partner can do."

I only just found out he was a 2013 contestant on BGT

I don't think it's being hard on him to think she could have done better with a more experienced pro.

Well he can't be doing that bad a job as she is still very much in contention

She's still in the running and the worst she can do is now 6th out of 15 couples. Outdoing a fair few pros in their first years. Also points wise they're sitting 4th overall only behind someone from the west end, a popstar who's judged dance shows before and has alot of skills and BBC favourite Ore.

I think she'd be a top two, or likely to win, with another pro. With him she hasn't had a stand out dance. I'm more hopeful for the tango as he's not choreographing it - and that says something.

The one thing I have noticed is that Claudia fans are critical of AJ in a way that say, Danny fans are not critical of Oti and Rob fans not critical of Oksana.

They seem to be the couple least liked as a partnership, if that makes sense.

Personally I like AJ and think he's been a good new addition, as have all the new pros. I don't find him smug at all but we all see different things!

I think he has been fantastic at Ballroom, Claudia is IMO the best technical Ballroom dancer out of all the celebs. His Latin I just think he tries to pack in a bit too much and too fast, she has very little legs! Personally I haven't taken to him, but not to the extent of disliking him, and I find their dancing and partnership on the floor extremely boring although danced well.

Must admit though, I'm looking forward to seeing this tango...not sure whether she throws herself into the character as much as she could. Paso and tango find you out on that

I think AJ is fine - he's young and feeling his way a bit, but generally has done very well, and taught Caudia very creditably.

I haven't seen significant amounts of 'giving him a hard time' really either.

I thought most, if not all of the pros, had the AT choreographed for them? AJ has already said he has never danced an AT so I doubt he would want to choreograph one even if he was allowed to.

I think he and Claudia have done some good and entertaining dances. I like him and don't find him bigheaded or full of himself. I really hope he comes back next year

Yup all the pros have their AT and also most of the Charleston's too.. and the Salsa (or is it Samba?)

I agree with all of this. I think AJ is doing just fine with Claudia and I think she seems comfortable with him which is important. And I see no evidence of smugness whatsoever. To me he comes across as young, hardworking and likable. I hope he is asked back next year.

There's something a bit naff and XFactor about AJ.

Not something I want to see on SCD

I don't think it's being hard on him to say I haven't liked his choreography, don't think he's particularly used the music well and don't think he gels at all with Claudia - I don't get any sense of partnership from them, or any sense of him being flexible to accommodate when she clearly can't do things, like keep up with the amount of choreography in their Samba, for example. I'm not convinced they get along particularly well either, and I just find him a bit grating, though I can't completely put my finger on why.


They're allowed to do them on their own if they want to - some of the pros will do their own Salsas, but I doubt any of them do their own AT.

Ridiculous

My opinion and I'll stick to it thank you.

I really like him, very friendly and a great personality. And easy on the eye as well