Strictly Come Dancing stars including Neil Jones and Giovanni Pernice have denounced thugs who attacked AJ Pritchard and his brother Curtis at a nightclub in Nantwich, Cheshire.
AJ, 24, and his sibling Curtis, 22, a professional dancer on the Irish version of the show Dancing with the Stars, were on a night out when eight yobs pounced on them.
It is said Curtis’ injuries are so severe he must have “emergency surgery” in the next couple of days.
Strictly professional Giovanni Pernice, 28, said he was “disgusted” by what happened to the brothers.
Taking to Twitter to fume about the situation, he wrote: “Wtf is wrong with these people? Guys I’m so sorry @CurtisPritchard @Aj11Ace I’m with you all the way! Disgusting!”(sic)
Fellow dancer Aljaz Skorjanec, 28, admitted he was annoyed at the incident, tweeting: “So upset by the news about @Aj11Ace and @CurtisPritchard.
“Two lovely guys that mean no harm to anyone ever! I cannot believe it. To the thugs that did that.. shall we dance???? #fuming.”
Meanwhile, Neil, who is married to Strictly professional Katya Jones, revealed he hoped the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
“Disgusting what happened to @Aj11Ace and his brother @CurtisPritchard and I hope they catch everyone involved.”
EastEnders actor Davood Ghadami, who competed on last year’s series of the BBC dance competition, responded to the tweet by posting an angry face emoji.
Brian Redmond, on the other hand, penned: “Shocking! and @CurtisPritchard is supposed to be starting week one of #DWTSIrl next week!
“I hope both of the boys recover fully. @Aj11Ace.”
Cheshire Police have released a statement about the incident and have asked for anyone with information to contact them on 101 quoting IML 279517 or online.
The statement read: “Shortly after 2am on Thursday 27 December officers were called to reports of an incident at a nightclub on Welsh Row, Nantwich.
“Officers attended the scene and found that four men, three aged 22 and one aged 24, had been assaulted.
“The victims sustained a number of injuries as a result of the incident and were taken to Leighton Hospital for treatment. All of the men have since been discharged.”
A spokesman for the brothers told The Mirror: “Curtis is due to undergo an emergency operation in the next few days to correct the damages he has sustained to his knee, he is also recovering from injuries to his eye and face.
“AJ received bruising to his face, arms, body and legs. Statements have been given to Cheshire Police and they are currently undergoing an investigation.”
A witness said eight thugs circled the brothers before attacking them and claimed Curtis passed out.
The bystander said AJ was left with marks on his face caused by rings worn by his attackers and had to carry Curtis to safety.
Express.co.uk has contacted a representative for AJ Pritchard for a comment.