STRICTLY '˜ATTACK': Marquez assaulted by '˜random group of lads' who ran past car

The 26-year-old Spaniard was in Blackpool for the live edition from Blackpool Tower Ballroom when he was the victim of an “unprovoked incident”, the BBC told a national newspaper earlier this week.

It was claimed he needed dental surgery after two of his lower jaw front teeth were badly chipped in the attack.

He has refused to make an official complaint to Lancashire Police and has not commented on the incident, other than to thank wellwishers for their support following his ‘experience’.

He was pictured outside the Big Blue Hotel on Sunday morning without any obvious facial injuries. He was also pictured on Twitter smiling during rehearsals this week for tonight’s show.

The BBC said he was attacked by a gang of youths while reportedly walking to a nightclub, Flamingos, with colleagues.

A spokesman for Strictly has now said he was getting out of a car when a “random group of lads” ran past and assaulted him.

Mr Marquez, who was sent flowers by tourism chiefs in Blackpool following the reports, does not want to make a formal complaint and “just wants to move on”, a spokesman for the hit dance show said.

A review of CCTV footage from the area failed to show any attack.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “We have checked CCTV and spoken to the club and inquiries continue.

“We have had no formal complaint from Mr Marquez.”

Mr Marquez has been criticised on social media for failing to explain exactly what happened following the revelations in The Sun on Monday.

Concern was raised after the newspaper claimed “local louts” were responsible for the attack, sparking an angry response from Blackpool residents claiming the town was being unfairly tarnished.

After the attack, Mr Marquez tweeted: “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!”