The man who was sprayed in the face and robbed on the last bank holiday weekend was Strictly star Giovanni Pernice.

Mr Pernice, a 29-year-old professional dancer on the BBC show, was robbed as he got into an Uber in Bower Hill, Epping, at 8.30pm on August 25, according to The Sun.

Essex Police appealed for witnesses shortly after the attack - revealing they were after two men who were spotted jumping back into a black car heading down Stewards Green Road.

Now it has been revealed that the victim of the robbery was Mr Pernice.

The Sun says the dancer, who appeared on last night's launch show, first believed he had been sprayed in the face with acid but has now told friends he thinks it may have been pepper spray.

A source told the national newspaper: "His first thought was that it was an acid attack because of the burning in his eyes.

"He has been left absolutely terrified by the attack. It has hugely knocked his confidence."

Mr Pernice is currently dating formerly Strictly partner and Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts, 27.

The two masked suspects got away with a watch and Mr Pernice's rucksack.

Police continue to appeal for any information.

If you can help, call Loughton CID on 101 quoting incident 1380 of August 25 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111.