Strictly Come Dancing duo AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington have been forced to pull out of the competition and will not compete in Saturday's final.
BBC said in a statement, 'After consulting medical professionals regarding her recent injury, the decision has been made that sadly AJ cannot dance in Saturday’s Final.'
AJ Odudu said in the same statement, '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. Good luck to my partners in dance, John & Johannes and Rose and Giovanni. I will be cheering you on (on one leg!).'
Kai Widdrington commented, '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.
He continued, '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.'
The final on Saturday 18 December will still go ahead, with Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice and John Whaite and Johannes Radebe set to battle it out for the glitter ball trophy.
Odudu previously announced she was on crutches after damaging ligaments in her right ankle, just days before the final. Odudu confirmed the injury on Stictly's sister show It Takes Two on Thursday night, explaining that she is currently 'unable to stand' on her right foot.
She explained tearfully, ‘We’ve got three amazing dances that we really want to perform.
‘And I know I’m getting upset but I am genuinely remaining hopeful. I’m surrounded by a really great medical team who are trying their best to get me back on my feet.
‘And of course, I’ve got Kai [Widdrington] who is really holding me together, physically and emotionally right now, she added.
Despite her tears, AJ insisted she was 'genuinely remaining hopeful.'
The duo have now been forced to accept third place due to Aj's 'severe' injury.
AJ also took to Instagram yesterday to give some more details on her injury. The presenter wrote, ‘Because I'm unable to move without crutches, we haven't been nor will be able to rehearse properly ahead of the live final. To say I'm devastated would be a huge understatement and I am gutted.'
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