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Celebrity

17th Dec 2021

AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington forced to pull out of Strictly final

Kat O'Connor

“Strictly has been a lifelong dream”

Strictly Come Dancing stars AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington have unfortunately pulled out of the final.

The TV presenter had to step down because of an ankle injury.

AJ injured her foot earlier in the week and is now unable to put any weight on it, nevermind dance.

The Strictly stars are completely heartbroken, but they had to put AJ’s health first.

AJ said taking part in the show was a total dream come true for her.

“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.”

She added, “To do it alongside someone as special, patient, and devoted as Kai is something I’ll treasure forever.”

She wished her fellow contestants good luck ahead of Saturday’s final.

“Strictly 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.”

Kai praised AJ for being such a phenomenal performer from day one.

The professional dancer said dancing with AJ was an honour.

“Although neither of us wanted our journey to end this way, AJ’s health and safety are by far the most important things,” Kai said.

He said the presenter was the “best partner” he could have ever asked for in his first year on Strictly.

“I will always treasure the memories of dancing in the Strictly ballroom with her,” Kai said.

Their time on Strictly has come to an end. However, Kai said they’ll remain friends for life.

“I will be there for her through her recovery in whatever way I can, Kai added.

AJ and Kai will always be winners in our eyes.