After suffering a foot injury, AJ Odudu has confirmed she is unable to take part in the Strictly Come Dancing final on Saturday.
Her withdrawal from the competition means Rose Ayling-Ellis will go head-to-head with John Whaite in Saturday’s grand final – just two contestants competing for the Glitterball trophy.
Earlier this week, it was revealed AJ was experiencing severe pain in her foot and had undergone a scan.
She was advised to rest her foot but sadly will not be fit enough to perform on Saturday.
In a statement, the Strictly Come Dancing finalist said: “I’m deeply upset that I am unable to perform in the final due to a torn ligament in my right ankle. Learning to dance over the last 13 weeks has been an incredible honour and to do it alongside someone as special, patient and devoted as Kai [Widdrington] is something I’ll treasure forever.
“Thank you to the Strictly family for the experience, the medical team for trying to get me back on my feet and mostly, to everyone at home for watching and supporting. You’ve made this experience one to remember.
“Strictly Come Dancing has been a lifelong dream and I’m glad it came true. Good luck to my partners in dance, John [Whaite] and Johannes [Radebe] and Rose [Ayling-Ellis] and Giovanni [Pernice]. I will be cheering you on (on one leg!).”
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AJ had been one of the frontrunners since the start of the series and the news will no doubt leave many fans – who had hoped to see her go all the way – disappointed.
Her professional partner Kai expressed his gratitude for being able to dance with AJ on her Strictly journey.
“I’ve been absolutely honoured to get to dance with the incredible AJ Odudu for the last few months and although neither of us wanted our journey to end this way, AJ’s health and safety are by far the most important things,” he said in a statement today.
“I want to thank AJ for being the absolute best partner I could ever have asked for in my first year on the show and I will always treasure the memories of dancing in the Strictly ballroom with her. I know we will be friends for life and I will be there for her through her recovery in whatever way I can.
“I want to wish good luck to John and Johannes and Rose and Giovanni for the final. And finally the biggest thank you to everyone who voted for us throughout the series, your support has been unforgettable.”
The Strictly Come Dancing final airs Saturday at 7pm on BBC One. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide. Visit our Entertainment hub for all the latest news.