It’s hard to imagine anything more terrifying than being viciously attacked by eight men on Boxing Day – so you can understand why AJ Pritchard is now said to be “traumatised.”
In fact, insiders close to the Strictly Come Dancing star have confirmed the professional dancer doesn’t want to leave the house after the shocking incident.
A source told the Sunday Mirror: “AJ is beside himself with worry and anxiety. He is so traumatised by what happened he doesn’t want to leave the house.
“He has told friends he doesn’t understand why this has happened to him. AJ has never been targeted before and this has come out of the blue.”
Presumably referencing the 2016 attack of Strictly dancer Gorka Marquez in Blackpool, the pal adds: “This is starting to become a regular occurrence and there is a fear that it could happen again. The men seem to be targeted because they are on the show, there is a lot of jealousy.”
AJ’s friends and family have piled in to offer love and support to the professional dancer and his brother since the horrifying attack during a night out in Nantwich, Cheshire.
A spokesman confirmed: “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.”
They were kicked and punched in the face according to witnesses who told The Sun: “The brothers were having a relaxed evening with friends and AJ was posing for selfies with a few fans.
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“But the eight lads took a disliking to the brothers and pushed Curtis hard. Then they started punching them, like they were possessed.”
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And while AJ, 24, has been feeling the emotional trauma, his brother Curtis, 23, has been dealt a more physical blow, as the surgery forced him to quit his job on Dancing With The Stars Ireland.
A spokesperson for the channel revealed to The Sun: “Dancing with the Stars pro-dancer Curtis Pritchard was involved in an incident on 26 December 2018.
“As a result of the injuries sustained, he will not have recovered in time for the launch of the new series, which will air 6 January 2019.”
They added: “A replacement for Curtis on the show is currently being arranged and we look forward to welcoming Curtis back when he recovers.”
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The boys’ father, Adrian Pritchard, has also confirmed to Stoke On Trent Live both lads are “coping well with everything under the circumstances.”
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