AJ Odudu pulls out of Strictly Come Dancing 2021 final after suffering injury, BBC announces

TV presenter AJ Odudu has pulled out of Saturday night’s Strictly Come Dancing final after suffering an injury, the BBC has announced.

Earlier this week, the TV presenter announced she was on crutches after injuring the ligament in the arch of her right foot ahead of the performance with her professional dance partner Kai Widdrington.

Odudu previously said she was “frustrated and upset” at being injured and after consulting medical professionals, has made the difficult decision not to perform this weekend.

She said in a 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.”

She also wished good luck to her fellow finalists John and Johannes and Rose and Giovanni who will now battle it out in the final in a bid to lift the glitterball trophy.

Widdrington added: “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.”

Odudu had previously said the pain in her ankle was so bad that she vomited and earlier this week she was unable to stand on her right foot or stand up at all without crutches.

Sarah James, Strictly’s executive producer, said: “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 dancefloor.”

She added: “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.”

The pair will appear on It Takes Two this evening. The Strictly Come Dancing final is on BBC One on Saturday at 7pm.