Dancing With The Stars’ pro Ryan McShane attacked on Christmas night out just days before series kicks off
DANCING With The Stars pro Ryan McShane was attacked on a night out with his girlfriend - just days before the new series kicks off.
The dancer, 34, suffered a black eye following the assault at a bar in County Armagh, Northern Ireland.
He posted pics of his injuries on Instagram and revealed he was set upon after he had dinner with his girlfriend at a restaurant.
However, Ryan said he "will be fighting fit and ready to go" for Sunday's show.
In a post on Instagram with a series of snaps, Ryan said: "Not how I wanted to enter the new year but on Sunday evening I was assaulted after having dinner with with my friends in my home town.
"Just want to thank the staff at the @courthouselurgan for looking after me... and my beautiful girlfriend @thaliaheffernan for always being by my side and looking after me, and keeping me smiling.
"5 days to @dwtsirl live show, I will be fighting fit and ready to go! Much love Ryan."
Irish model Thalia Heffernan who has been dating the 34-year-old for three years - after the pair met while she was a contestant on the show, commented on the post saying "Onward and upward".
Ireland's Fittest Family coach also commented saying "Hope you are ok xxx".
While social media sensation James Patrice said: "So sorry Ryan x".
And Erin McGregor wrote "omg hope ur ok x".
Strictly Come Dancing's added: "Take care!!!!!".
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Ryan is set to be partnered up with former B*Witched star, Sinead O'Carroll for the upcoming series which is set to kick off this Sunday, January 5.
The attack comes just and his brother AJ were attacked by eight thugs during a night out at Nakatcha nightclub in Cheshire, England on December 27.
Curtis was left unconscious in the unprovoked attack and was forced to have surgery on his knee, knocking him out of the 2019 series of Dancing with the Stars competition.