Strictly's AJ Pritchard and brother Curtis speak out on horrific Boxing Day attack

They've revealed what they think was behind it

Author: Emma DoddsPublished 2nd Jan 2019

Strictly Come Dancing's AJ Pritchard has appeared on This Morning alongside his brother Curtis after they suffered a brutal attack on Boxing Day. The brothers, from Nantwich in Cheshire, were enjoying themselves in the early hours of the 27th December when they were attacked by a group of eight, leaving Curtis hospitalised.

Curtis, who is also a professional dancer and was due to appear on Dancing With The Stars - the US version of Strictly - was knocked unconscious, and reportedly suffered a suspected broken nose, blurred vision, a split lip and knee injury, and has had to pull out of the show as a result.

The brothers appeared on This Morning earlier today (2nd January) to discuss what happened, and AJ revealed, "I think the really sad thing is we were out to have a good time, see each other as brothers and it came from nowhere. We weren't there to cause trouble."

Curtis admitted that he thought he knew what was behind the attack, saying, "I can only say it was maybe jealousy. AJ was getting photos from people," as AJ agreed, "Doing our TV show, Strictly, it's always so positive. It's never a negative light. The sad thing in this case - if someone comes up for a photo politely I will always say 'yes'.

"It made me very self aware of putting myself in a scenario with larger crowds. I'm doing with tour with Strictly. It will make me think twice."

Swipe through to see which couples found love on Strictly Come Dancing...


Strictly's AJ Pritchard and brother Curtis speak out on horrific Boxing Day attack
2 of 12

The brothers were then asked whether they thought Curtis' legs had been attacked on purpose because of his career, with the dancer saying, "I would hate to say that. For somebody to think like that is a horrible thought. For someone to intentionally harm someone. I don’t know really."

AJ praised his brother on Instagram in a touching New Year's tribute. Sharing a photo of the pair next to a mannequin of Superman, AJ wrote, 'With my real life superMAN - closes 2018 on a SUPER Positive note.. Thank you for all the love & support over the past few days. Thank you to each & everyone of the thousands of messages we have received.

'Yes it is a vile situation, but honestly the love has been overwhelming 🙏🏻, ...my brother is my BEST friend by choice @curtispritchard12 ... Happy New Year to everyone... It’s has been a Positive 2018 & will be a fantastic 2019...' sic

NOW WATCH: James Arthur opens up about what it was like working on The Greatest Showman: Reimagined

Tune into Northern Ireland's Home of Great Music, Downtown Radio on FM, AM, DAB Digital Radio, online, on our Rayo app and by asking your smart speaker to 'Play Downtown Radio'. Gary & Glen kick things off every weekday morning and Neal McClelland brings you home on Downtown Drive.