Strictly dancer AJ Pritchard and his brother injured in 'unprovoked' nightclub attack

A spokesperson said Pritchard is now recovering from severe bruising and cuts from the attack, while Curtis — who is pro on Dancing With the Stars Ireland — requires an emergency operation on his damaged knee

Strictly Come Dancing professional AJ Pritchard and his brother Curtis are recovering from an “unprovoked” attack at a night club in Cheshire, according to reports.

The pair were said to have been enjoying a night out with friends before allegedly being attacked by a group of eight men.

Pritchard is now recovering from severe bruising and cuts from the attack, while Curtis — himself a pro on Dancing With the Stars Ireland — requires an emergency operation on his damaged knee.

A spokesperson for the brothers told The Sun: “AJ and Curtis were assaulted in an unprovoked attack. Curtis is to undergo an emergency operation to correct damage to his knee. AJ received bruising to his face, arms, body and legs.”

The 24-year-old has appeared as a professional on Strictly Come Dancing since 2016. He won the British Open Youth Latin Champions three years in a row (2012-2014) with dance partner Chloe Hewit. In this year's Strictly competition, he made it to the semi-finals with celebrity dancing partner Lauren Steadman.

A number of his fellow Strictly stars have sent him "get well soon" messages, including Neil Jones, Giovanni Pernice, Katya Jones and Dianne Buswell.

A police statement said that two more people were injured during the attack: “The four victims were taken to hospital for treatment. All have since been discharged.

“Officers arrested a 20-year-old man from Crewe on suspicion of assault. He has been released under investigation pending further inquiries.”