‘We can't thank the NHS enough'

Brothers AJ and Curtis Pritchard tell us how healthcare workers helped them achieve their dancing dreams

- STEVEN PERKINS

DEAR NHS SUPERSTARS

NEW THURSDAY / BBC1 / 9PM / REAL LIFE

The coronavirus pandemic, and, in particular, the recent Clap for Carers initiative, has led many of us to reflect on the contribution the NHS has made to the lives of family, friends and millions of other Brits over the 72 years since it was created.

And that vital work is at the heart of BBC1’s Dear NHS Superstars, a one-off special that sees celebrities, including showbiz siblings AJ and Curtis Pritchard, Amanda Holden, Sir Lenny Henry and Strictly’s head judge Shirley Ballas, sharing their own experiences as they pay tribute to all the amazing healthcare professionals, from porters and physiotherapists to cleaners and consultants.

Here, former Strictly pro AJ, 25, and his younger brother, The Greatest Dancer star Curtis, 24, tell TV Times why they are proud to be involved…

Why did you want to be part of this programme?

AJ: We have both broken our arms, Curt’s broken his leg, we’ve both had knee operations, Dad’s had a new hip and a new knee – the NHS has done so much work to keep us going in our dancing careers, and to generally keep us fit and healthy.

CURTIS: And to help us become champions, really.