‘Strictly Come Dancing’ professional dancer Gorka Marquez has spoken for the first time since he was attacked by a gang during a night out in Blackpool.
The Spanish dancer lost two teeth when he was set upon as he made his way to a nightclub in the seaside town on Saturday night.
The 26-year-old has since taken to Twitter, saying: “Thanks for all your kind messages and support about Blackpool. It was a bad experience but I’m feeling better and just want to look forward to the show on Saturday!”
The incident, said to have involved a gang of youths, has not been reported, but Lancashire Police has since contacted the BBC to “establish the details of the incident” so it can be investigated.
Following dental surgery, Gorka will return to the ‘Strictly’ dancefloor this weekend the BBC confirmed.
“He will be back in training this week and is looking forward to the group routine next weekend,” a BBC spokesman said.
Gorka made his ‘Strictly’ debut this year, partnering ‘EastEnders’ actress Tameka Empson, who plays Kim Fox in the BBC soap.
The pair were voted off in the second round but Gorka has continued to appear in the programme as part of the weekly group routines.
He also stepped in to dance with singer Anastacia in week five, when her partner Brendan Cole was taken ill.