I’m a Celebrity: AJ Pritchard will not be told about grandmother’s death until he leaves show

Decision to withhold the news of her death was determined by Pritchard and his family before the show began

I’m a Celebrity’s AJ Pritchard (ITV)

AJ Pritchard’s grandmother Angela Gratton has died aged 93, his brother Curtis has confirmed.

The 24-year-old announced the news on Instagram today (30 November) in a post, which read: “Life is beautiful, life is incredible, life is magical… But sadly it doesn’t last forever. RIP, I love you Nanna.”

The Love Island star continued: “Nanna words literally cannot describe how much I love you, and forever will love you and the memories of you.”

Curtis also revealed that his brother AJ – a former professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing who is currently starring on ITV’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! – will not be informed of his grandmother’s death until after he leaves the programme.

In a lengthy statement posted to Instagram, he wrote: “It is following our grandad’s wishes that myself and Aj are to carry on with the current project we are committed to.

“Grandad said to myself and AJ that it would break his heart for us to stop what we were doing as Nanna had such pride in our work.”

He divulged that AJ and his family had previously discussed the possibility of his grandmother’s death prior to his brother entering the castle. Together they came to the conclusion that in the event of Gratton’s passing, Curtis would not be informed until after he exits the series. 

"AJ therefore discussed with the family before entering the castle that if something did happen to Nanna whilst he was away, that he wouldn't want to be told until he left the castle and that in her honour he would complete his commitment to the show, with a view to doing her and the family proud,” wrote Curtis.

He added: “As Grandad and Nanna would have wished for, AJ will stay in the castle and continue making her proud wherever she is watching from.”

In the statement, he also revealed that their grandmother had been diagnosed with dementia 10 years ago, making it the “family’s turn to look after her”.

The Independent has contacted ITV for comment.