AJ Odudu forced to pull out of Strictly final after horror ligament injury
Daily Star TV gives you all the latest interviews and spoilers and Ed Gleave will send you telly’s hot takes straight to your inbox every Sunday
AJ Odudu has been forced to withdraw from the Strictly Come Dancing final after a horror injury which has left her on crutches.
The star was forced to walk using crutches and was spotted wearing a black protective boot while heading out to her manager's office on Friday morning.
Now the official Strictly Come Dancing Twitter account has released a statement, which read: "Sadly due to injury AJ and Kai have had to withdraw from #Strictly and won’t compete in tomorrow’s final.
"We want to thank them for 13 incredible weeks on the show and the pure joy they brought to the dance floor every week."
AJ explained: "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 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."
She went on to wish her fellow finalists luck, writing: "Good luck to my partners in dance, John & Johannes and Rose and Giovanni. I will be cheering you on (on one leg!)."
Her professional dance partner Kai Widdrington added: "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.
"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 & Johannes and Rose & Giovanni for the Final.
"And finally the biggest thank you to everyone who voted for us throughout the series, your support has been unforgettable."
Strictly's executive producer Sarah James also paid tribute to the couple, as she commented: "AJ may not be able to compete in the Final but she is and always will be one of the most brilliant Strictly finalists we have ever had. We cannot thank her enough for fully embracing the experience and being a total delight both on and off the dance floor.
"AJ and Kai are a wonderful partnership and have performed some unforgettable routines over the last few months.
"Although this is not how we would have wanted her Strictly journey to end, AJ’s health and wellbeing come first and everyone involved in the show send her all our love and wish her a speedy recovery."
AJ has already received an outpouring of support from gutted fans on social media, as one posted: "It's a shame as well as I would [have] liked AJ to complete her #Strictly Journey with Kai.
"What an incredible year it's been for Kai. His first year as pro to get all the way to the final he should be so proud. AJ is a phenomenal dancer. Your fans are proud of you AJ."
Another wondered: "Oh goodness – will they bring another contestant back rather than just 2??"
This is a breaking news story and is constantly being updated.
Please refresh the page regularly to get the latest TV updates.
TV & Showbiz reporters are working to source the latest information, reaction, pictures and video related to this story.
You can also follow us on Twitter @DailyStar , or follow us on Instagram @dailystar to get the latest TV and celeb gossip 24 hours a day.
Or like our Daily Star Showbiz Facebook page to get the day's biggest stories, and have your say on them.
Why not also subscribe to receive our regular Daily Star showbiz newsletters?
You can do this on this page by simply entering your email address above and hitting 'subscribe'.
Download the Daily Star app for flash alerts on the biggest stories of the day, so you don't miss out.
Why not also subscribe to receive our regular Daily Star news bulletins? You can do this on this page by simply entering your email address above and hitting 'subscribe'.
- Strictly Come Dancing
Source: Read Full Article