Abbie Quinnen says she 'feels sexy again' more than a year after fire accident

Abbie Quinnen has said she is relieved to "feel sexy again" more than a year after an accident during a social media video left her with serious burns.

The 24-year-old dancer, whose boyfriend is former Strictly Come Dancing star AJ Pritchard, told The Sun she is beginning to regain her confidence despite being left with scarring.

Read more: Abbie Quinnen feels "free" after showing the world her scars

Quinnen and Pritchard were filming a "life hack" video in January 2021 in which a rope dipped in flammable liquid is used to cut a glass bottle in half to make a vase.

The glass exploded while the couple was preparing to film, engulfing Quinnen in flames, with Pritchard describing the incident as "traumatic" and leaving him "emotionally torn apart".

Watch: Abbie Quinnen updates on scars after burn injuries

After 15 months and multiple skin grafts, Quinnen said she has now "accepted my reflection in the mirror", including the scars that remain.

She added: "Every day I keep telling myself that over time they will look better — patience is key.

Read more: Abbie Quinnen asked if AJ would still love her after accident

"I have to remember my burns don’t define me. They’ve just shown a story of what’s happened to me. I hope I can see my scars as part of me.

"I’ve been dancing with AJ in costumes where you can see my scars. I forget they are there, and that feels incredible. It’s taken a while but I do feel sexy again."

Quinnen hopes to dance alongside Pritchard when he goes on tour later this year and hinted she would like him to propose to her on stage.

The dancer also said she has received messages from mums thanking her for speaking publicly about her recovery.

Read more: Michael Greco criticises Hollyoaks for Pritchard brothers' casting

She added: "Since my accident I’ve got so much more fight. I’m pushing myself to be an even better dancer than I was before, as well as being physically and mentally stronger.

"It was a near-death experience and that makes you look at your life in a different way."

Watch: Curtis and AJ Pritchard act together in TikTok advert