Love Island star Curtis Pritchard has thanked the NHS for saving his career as a dancer after a nightclub attack in 2018.

The 24-year-old needed emergency knee surgery as a result of the savage attack, which happened when he stepped in to help his younger brother AJ Pritchard from being beaten up by eight men.

"Honestly, the NHS were just so incredible. From the ambulance to the hospital to the after-care, I couldn't fault the amazing medical staff," Curtis told The Sun.

"I had to have a knee operation quite quickly, and naturally I was worried I wouldn't be able to dance again. But because of them, I got through it, I'm dancing again and I'm working again."

AJ added: "The NHS means so much to us as a family, it really does - and it's something the entire nation is proud of.

"The current situation [with coronavirus] has really shone a light on what these amazing people - the doctors, porters and nurses - do for us every single day.

"Us all coming together to appreciate them has been such a fantastic moment, and we are out clapping every Thursday night at 8pm for the heroes."

AJ quit his role as a pro dancer on Strictly Come Dancing earlier this year and is now eyeing a career as a TV presenting duo with Curtis.