Strictly’s AJ Pritchard and brother Curtis reveal real reason for brutal attack

AJ Pritchard has bravely opened up on the bloody nightclub attack that left him and his brother Curtis in hospital.

The Strictly Come Dancing star and his fellow pro-dancer sibling revealed the real reason they believe they were attacked in their hometown on Boxing Day.

Curtis risked his own career by pushing him out of the way as eight yobs set upon them in the middle of the dancefloor at Nantwich club Nakatcha.

He was knocked unconscious and suffered a suspected broken nose, blurred vision, a split lip and knee injury and now faces at least five weeks out of dancing.

The pair joined Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford on the This Morning sofa to give their account of the horrific assault.


AJ explained: "I think the really sad thing is we were out to have a good time, see each other as brothers and it came from nowehere. We weren’t there to cause trouble."

When asked about the motives behind the attack, Curtis said: "I can only say it was maybe jealousy. AJ was getting photos from people."

AJ said: "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."

Both brothers revealed that they did not fight back and praised each other for providing protection.

AJ said: "The pain in that scenario the adrenaline kicks in. Protecting each other as family as brothers. Seeing Curtis get punched to the face and kicked multiple times."

Brave Curtis, who took the brunt of the beating, said: "We weren’t there for trouble. We wanted to spend Christmas together and have a good time.

"Once it all happened the first thing that came to my mind was we’re in trouble, AJ is in trouble, we need to get out and protect ourselves."

Curtis, who had crutches and a bandage on his knee, revealed that he won’t be able to walk fully for three weeks.

The Irish Dancing With The Stars performer, who has pulled out of the series, said it will be a minimum of five weeks before he can dance again.

On whether the attack was deliberately intended to injure his legs because of his career, Curtis said: "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 the NHS and the police, adding: "As much as it was very violent situation, it happens way too often. It’s sad to know this is a normal thing which has to stop. You can’t just allow people to get away with it."


AJ called his brother his "real life Superman" after saying he saved him from the pack of nightclub attackers.

Posting a picture of the pair on social media, along with a Superman cutout, AJ said: "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."

He went on: "My brother is my BEST friend by choice @CurtisPritchard … Happy New Year to everyone… It’s has been a Positive 2018 & will be a fantastic 2019…"

Shocked This Morning viewers took to Twitter to praise the brothers.

One viewer said: "Can’t believe someone could do this to another person… Get well soon, bud…"

Another added: "It makes me SO ANGRY!!! @Aj11Ace & his lovely brother Curtis DID NOT deserve this. There are horrible people out there They are so nice and sweet, it’s utter jealousy that caused this situation"

A third said: "Horrible hearing @Aj11Ace and @CurtisPritchard talk about the horrendous attack on them a few days ago. Such brave lads, some vile people out there!"

*This Morning airs weekdays on ITV at 10.30am

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