Strictly AJ’s fear after club attack
St r i c t l y st ar AJ Pritchard is said to be “afraid to leave the house” following an attack in a nightclub.
The professional dancer, 24, and his brother needed hospital treatment after they were surrounded by eight yobs and punched and kicked.
The i nc i d e n t h a s prompted a call for security to be ramped up on the upcoming Strictly tour as AJ is the second dancer to be assaulted. Gorka Marquez was attacked in 2016 in Blackpool and lost two teeth.
A source said: “AJ is so traumatised, he doesn’t want to leave the house. He doesn’t understand why this has happened to him.”
A pal of AJ added: “There’s a fear it could happen again. The men seem to be targeted because they are on the show. There should be more security for them.”
AJ and brother Curtis, 23, a dancer on the Irish version of Strictly – Dancing With The Stars – are staying with their parents in Cheshire and were on a night out at the Nakatcha club in Nantwich.
AJ is recovering from severe bruising and cuts and Curtis wi l l need surgery on an injured knee.
A clubber said: “The eight lads punched them like they were possessed.”
One man, 20, was arrested and released pending further inquiries.
Fellow Strictly dancer Neil Jones blasted the attack as “sick”.
The 20-date Strictly tour kicks off on January 18 in Birmingham.