Strictly star AJ Pritchard left with bruises to face and body after attack on night-out

Curtis, 22, who is a professional dancer on Ireland's Dancing With The Stars, will have emergency knee surgery following the incident on December 27 in Nantwich, Cheshire.

A statement on behalf of the Pritchard family said: '˜AJ and Curtis were assaulted whilst on a night-out with two friends on December 27 in an unprovoked attack in Nantwich, Cheshire.

'˜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.'

AJ, 24, was partnered with paralympian Lauren Steadman, a former University of Portsmouth student, on the most recent series of the dancing competition.

His co-stars sent messages of support to the pair, with Giovanni Pernice writing: '˜Wtf is wrong with this people ????? Guys I'm so sorry @CurtisPritchard @Aj11Ace I'm with you all the way !! Disgusting !!!!'

Katya Jones added: '˜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.'

Dancing With The Stars Ireland has confirmed Curtis will not have recovered from his injuries in time for the new series of the show, which is due to begin on January 6 2019.

A statement from the show shared on Twitter said: '˜Dancing with the Stars wish Curtis a speedy recovery.

'˜A replacement for Curtis on the show is currently being arranged by ShinAwiL and we look forward to welcoming Curtis back when he recovers.'