Strictly’s Katie Piper spotted with her bodyguard as she prepares for acid attacker’s release from prison
Dressed in trackie bottoms, the mum-of-two looked like she'd been in training as she gears up for the first show on Saturday.
And accompanying Katie was her bodyguard - who's been provided to the star by the BBC.
The Sun revealed Strictly bosses promised Katie extra security as her attacker Stefan Sylvestre is due for release.
A TV source said: “Producers are keen to reassure Katie that her safety is paramount.”
Model Katie was left severely scarred on her face and upper body in the attack in Golders Green, North London, in 2009.
Sylvestre, 30, was jailed for a minimum of six years. Katie's ex Daniel Lynch, 39, who ordered the attack, got at least 16 years.
She made a plea to the parole board last month not to release Sylvestre.
But they ruled he can walk out of jail “within weeks”, adding: “He displayed empathy for the victim and expressed remorse.”
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."
After news of the release, Katie thanked her fans for their support on her Instagram.
Katie wrote to her 714,000 followers: "Hi everyone, I felt it was important to put a message out to my friends, supporters and followers.
"This is a really difficult time for me. I am trying to come to terms with the decision and this is something I need to deal with.
"Over the past two weeks Strictly has already given me such a welcome and positive distraction from my past.
"Whilst there is never a good time to hear this news, I am glad I have this new journey to concentrate on."
Katie has had 40 facial operations since the attack and while she is excited for the BBC show, she is aware her health problems will provide extra challenges.
She told the : "It will be hard with my eyesight. If you cover one eye and think you can’t see your peripheral, that is harder with dancing, steps and anticipating your partner."
But she is still ready and raring to hit the dancefloor: "I already know how much of an amazing experience it will be for me and I can’t wait to show my girls some of my new dance moves!"
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