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Strictly Come Dancing bosses vow to keep ‘terrified’ Katie Piper safe after learning her acid attacker will be freed from jail soon
STRICTLY bosses have beefed up Katie Piper’s security after learning her acid attacker will be freed soon.
Terrified Katie, who has endured 40 face ops since her life-changing encounter, pulled out of a press day this week over fears Stefan Sylvestre will find her.
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A TV source said: “A plan is being put in place to ensure he doesn’t get details of where she will be and what she is doing in relation to the show.
“She fears he will turn up to the Strictly studios or discover where she is rehearsing.”
Sylvestre, 30, was caged for a minimum of six years after throwing acid at model Katie in 2009.
He was acting at the request of her ex-boyfriend Daniel Lynch, 39, who is serving at least 16 years.
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Katie, now 34 and a married mum of two, was left partly blind and with severe scarring on her face and upper body after the attack in Golders Green, North London.
She made a plea in person to the parole board last month not to release Sylvestre.
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But they ruled that he can walk out of jail “within weeks”, adding: “He displayed empathy for the victim and expressed remorse and shame.
“Decisions are focused on whether a prisoner would represent a significant risk to the public after release.”
The TV source said: “Strictly have discussed security with Katie and she has voiced her worries. They told her that they will do all they can to ensure she is safe at all times.
“She decided against attending the press day but is putting on a brave face for the show.
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“Off camera she keeps a very low profile and avoids her movements being too publicised.
“Now she is on Strictly it’s going to be tougher, but part of the conditions of her being on the show was that they understood this.”
The hit dance competition returns to BBC1 next Saturday evening.
A spokeswoman said: “We always have extensive security measures in place to protect our cast, crew and audience, and the arrangements are reviewed regularly.”
CCTV footage shows the horrifying acid attack on Katie Piper by Stefan Sylvestre on the orders of her ex-boyfriend Daniel Lynch
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