Strictly 2021: AJ Odudu leaves hotel on crutches after pulling out of final

The final of Strictly Come Dancing 2021 is just one day away, AJ Odudu remains on crutches after withdrawing from the competition.

The TV presenter admitted she is ‘gutted’ to be missing out on the final with her professional partner Kai Widdrington, after suffering a ruptured ligament.

AJ was photographed leaving a London hotel earlier today, as she and her fellow former contestants headed to the BBC studios for a final day of rehearsals.

In true AJ style, however, she wore a jazzy orange jumper and bright yellow face mask, refusing to allow her injury to suck all joy out of her life.

AJ was in floods of tears – as was Kai – when they chatted to Rylan Clark on It Takes Two, sharing how she did everything within her power to try to be on the dance floor this weekend – even asking if she could perform wearing ‘a medical moon boot.’

AJ revealed that she damaged her ligament in training, and is not allowed to put weight on the foot, otherwise she could be out of action for a year.

She told Rylan: ‘Do you know what, we had the best time and on Monday we rehearsed and we were just excited like: “Right, we’re going to do the jive, we’re going to do the Charleston, what a way to end our experience.”

‘My ankle’s given way and my ligament has ruptured and it’s just not gonna happen. We’re gutted because we were ready to smash it.’

After being shown a compilation of her Strictly highlights, she continued: ‘This isn’t the way that we wanted to go out, obviously, but even just looking back at all of those moments, it’s just been an absolute pleasure dancing with Kai every single week, so thank you.’

Kai was also forced to dig into the box of tissues, as he praised his partner for the amazing time they’ve had together.

News of AJ’s departure broke online and was met with devastation from both fans of the show and its dancers.

AJ took to Instagram to thank all who have voted for and supported her and Kai on their journey, and to celebrate the other two finalists, John Whaite and Johannes Radebe, and Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice.

Gushing that ‘learning to dance over the last 13 weeks has been an incredible honour,’ she said she’ll ‘treasure’ the opportunity to work with ‘someone as special, patient and devoted as Kai.’

‘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!).’

The remaining two couples will now compete for the glitter ball trophy with three dances tomorrow night.

They’ll each perform their favourite dance of the series, a judges’ pick, and an extravagant show dance.

Strictly Come Dancing: The Final 2021 airs on Saturday at 7pm on BBC One.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Strictly Come Dancing 2021: John Whaite admits he’s faced ‘a lot of trolling’ ahead of Saturday’s grand finale

MORE : Strictly Come Dancing 2021: Viewers in floods of tears over John Whaite and Johannes Radebe intimate routine after hearing coming out story