The horrifying news broke on Friday that AJ Pritchard and his brother Curtis had been hospitalised after being set upon by a gang of eight.
And now worried friends and fans have rushed to send their love, as the Strictly Come Dancer recovers from the shocking incident.
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Professional dancers from the BBC show, Katya and Neil Jones, Aljaz Skorjanec, Giovanni Pernice and Dianne Buswell were among the stars to offer support to their friend AJ, 24, and his 23-year-old brother, who is a professional dancer on the Irish version of Strictly called Dancing With The Stars.
Katya tweeted: “I can’t believe what happen to @Aj11Ace and @CurtisPritchard. Sending lots of love your way. It’s Christmas people! Where is humanity going? #disappointed.”
Her husband Neil Jones added: “Disgusting what happened to @Aj11Ace and his brother @CurtisPritchard and I hope they catch everyone involved.”
I can’t believe what happen to @Aj11Ace and @CurtisPritchard . Sending lots of love your way. It’s Christmas people! Where is humanity going? #disappointed
— katya Jones (@Mrs_katjones) December 29, 2018
Aljaz tweeted: “So upset by the news about @Aj11Ace and @CurtisPritchard!! Two lovely guys that mean no harm to anyone ever!! I can not believe it. To the thugs that did that.. shall we dance???? #fuming.”
Giovanni added: “Wtf is wrong with this people ????? Guys I’m so sorry @CurtisPritchard @Aj11Ace I’m with you all the way !! Disgusting !!!! 😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡.”
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Dianne said: “So sad to hear about @Aj11Ace and @CurtisPritchard hope you boys are ok xxxxxx.”
Fans have expressed shock and sympathy, too.
One wrote: “So sorry to hear what happened to you & Curtis hope you both make a full & speedy recovery. 💗💪🙏 sad, disgusting idiots need locking up.”
So sad to hear about @Aj11Ace and @CurtisPritchard hope you boys are ok xxxxxx
— dianne buswell (@dbuzz6589) December 29, 2018
Another added: “Sorry you both got set on by some creatures. Feel better soon both of you xx @aj11ace.”
A third commented: “I hope you and your brother are recovering, it is shocking how jealous people behave. My thoughts are with you and your brother and family xx.”
While a fourth blasted: “Sickened at what I’ve just read… I’m so sorry to hear this. Low life losers jealous of two beautiful successful boys. Bless you 😘😘 don’t be downtrodden by people who are never going to amount to any level of success in life x.”
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The lads were on night out in Nantwich, Cheshire on Boxing Day, when they were kicked and punched in the face.
One witness told The Sun: “The brothers were having a relaxed evening with friends and AJ was posing for selfies with a few fans.
“But the eight lads took a disliking to the brothers and pushed Curtis hard. Then they started punching them, like they were possessed.”
The Strictly pro was left with bruises all over his face and body, while Curtis needs surgery.
A spokesman for the brothers said: “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.”
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We can’t believe this happened. It’s so awful and sad – get well soon lads.
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