AJ now too terrified to leave home Fears over Strictly tour security after attack
TERRIFIED Strictly star AJ Pritchard is said to be “afraid to leave the house” following an attack in a nightclub.
The pro dancer and his brother needed hospital treatment after they were surrounded by eight yobs and punched and kicked.
The incident early on Thursday has prompted a call for security to be ramped up on the upcoming Strictly tour as AJ is the second dancer to be assaulted. Fellow pro Gorka Marquez was attacked in 2016 in Blackpool and lost two teeth.
A source told us: “AJ is so traumatised he doesn’t want to leave the house. He doesn’t understand why this has happened to him.”
And a pal of AJ, 24, 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 will need surgery on a badly injured knee.
A clubber said: “The eight lads punched them like they were possessed.” One man, 20, was arrested and released pending further enquiries.
Strictly pro Neil Jones blasted the attack as “sick” online. His dancer wife, Katya Jones said: “It’s Christmas. Where is humanity going?” The 20-date Strictly tour kicks off on January 18 in Birmingham.
AJ will appear with celebrity partner Lauren Steadman.
halina.watts@ sundaymirror.co.uk