Strictly Come Dancing's Gorka Marquez attacked in Blackpool

Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Gorka Marquez is undergoing emergency dental surgery after reportedly losing two teeth in a vicious attack outside a Blackpool nightclub.

The 26-year-old Spaniard was attacked in what the BBC described in a statement as an "unprovoked incident" while out with co-stars Aljaz Skorjanec and Neil Jones.

He was waiting to enter the Flamingo nightclub after Saturday night's live show when he was "ambushed" by a group and struck in the face, apparently at random, The Sun reports.

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Skorjanec and Jones were not harmed, adds, and the police were not contacted.

Marquez has travelled to London today to receive emergency dental treatment. He is said to be "shaken" by the incident.

The new addition to the Strictly cast partnered EastEnders star Tameka Empson until she left the contest in the third week.

He has remained on the show to take part in the group routines and also danced with singer Anastacia in week five, when her partner Brendan Cole was ill.

Getting to the Blackpool stage of the competition, when show relocates from the BBC studios in Borehamwood to the Tower Ballroom, represents the high-water mark for celebrity contestants and Marquez is apparently determined not to let the incident spoil the experience.

"He's so upbeat that he won't let an unprovoked attack from a yob ruin his first Strictly in Blackpool," a friend of the dancer told the Sun.

The BBC has confirmed Marquez will return to training this week and is expected to take part in next weekend's shows.