Strictly star AJ Odudu has been forced to pull out of the Strictly Come Dancing final after suffering ligament damage to her foot.
The TV presenter, 33, had been hoping to push through the injury so she could compete with dance partner and rumoured boyfriend Kai Widdrington, but medical professionals deemed her unfit to compete.
Only John Whaite, Johannes Radebe, Rose Ayling Ellis, and Giovanni Pernice will compete in Saturday’s live finale for the Glitterball trophy. MailOnline has been told by a source that last-minute drama was a disaster.
AJ made a statement expressing her sadness and then joked about how she would cheer for the other dancers, while ‘on one foot’.
Strictly star AJ Odudu was forced to withdraw from the Strictly Come Dancing Final after suffering ligament injury to her foot. (Photo: Friday).
Tragic: AJ had been hoping to compete alongside her dance partner and rumoured boyfriend Kai Widdrington in Saturday’s live final
AJ released the following statement. “I am deeply sad that I cannot perform in final because of a torn ligament on my right leg.” The last thirteen weeks have been an extraordinary experience. It was also a privilege to learn dance with Kai. I will cherish the memories of this time together.
“Thank you to my Strictly family, medical staff, and most importantly, everyone back at home, for all their help and support. It was a memorable experience.
It was my lifelong dream to be a part of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and it has come true. John, Johannes, Rose and Giovanni are my dance partners. You can count on me cheering you (on one foot!)
Sad news: Strictly star AJ Odudu has been forced to pull out of the Strictly Come Dancing final after suffering ligament damage to her foot (pictured on Friday)
AJ released the following statement: “I am deeply disturbed that I am unable perform in final due to a tear ligament in my right foot.”
It is over. AJ must give up on her goal of bringing home the gold ball trophy
Kai shared the following words with Kai: “I’ve had the honor of dancing alongside the incredible AJ Odudu the last few month and while neither one of us would like our journey ending this way, AJ’s health and safety is by far the most significant things.
AJ is the greatest partner I could ask for during my first year. It was a great experience and will be cherished forever.
“I am certain that we will become friends and will support each other throughout her recovery. John, Johannes, Rose und Giovanni my best wishes for the final.
“And lastly, a huge thank you to all those who voted in support of us during the series. Your support was unforgettable.”
Tough: The TV presenter, 33, who’s partnered with rumoured boyfriend Kai Widdrington, 26, suffered ligament damage to her foot earlier this week, leaving her unable to stand
Jump aboard! AJ posted a long post expressing her frustration and a photo of Kai receiving a piggyback.
AJ also shared an Instagram post that featured a photo of her dancing and then a pic with Kai receiving a piggyback. Kai had a brace attached to her foot.
It all began with her writing: It’s progressing. My scans included MRIs, ultrasounds, and x-rays. Two incisions were made to remove the swelling around my ankle. I have had local anaesthetic injected directly to my foot and I am now strapped up with an ice compressor for several days.
“I have done everything I can to get my feet back for @bbcstrictly Final. I asked doctors if they would allow me to perform in a medical lunarboot. Because of my injury to my spring ligament, I cannot stand or dance on my own feet.
Two horse race: Now Saturday’s live final will see just John Whaite and Johannes Radebe and Rose Ayling Ellis and Giovanni Pernice compete for the Glitterball Trophy, with a source telling MailOnline that the last minute drama is a ‘disaster’
“Learning how to dance in the past 13 weeks was an amazing honor. To do so with someone like Kai, who is patient and dedicated to learning and sharing this experience has been something that I will treasure for a lifetime. Your @kaiwidd is the best and I am grateful that you are ready to serve as my crutch tomorrow night on the dancefloor. Gutted! ❤️
‘I wanted to send a big thank you to my Strictly family, and to the medical team, for getting me back on the right track. But most of all, I want to give a special thanks to everybody at home who was there to support and watch. Your well wishes made the experience unforgettable.
It has been a dream of mine all my life and I am so glad that it finally came to pass. ✨ Good luck to my partners in dance, @john_whaite & @Johannesradebe and @Rose.a.e and @perniceGiovann1. You all have my support (on one foot).
Stepping out: The star is unable to put any weight on her foot, however she is still hoping to compete in the final
Difficult: AJ who is said to have had treatment on Wednesday for the injury looked fragile as she hobbled on her crutches
Sarah James (Strictly Come Dancing Executive Produce) said that although AJ will not be able participate in the finals, she was and will continue to be among the best Strictly finalists.
We cannot express our gratitude enough to her for accepting the challenge and making us feel so happy on the dancefloor. Kai and AJ make a fantastic team and put on many memorable routines during the course of these months.
AJ’s well-being and health are our top priorities. We all send her love and best wishes for a quick recovery.
John and Rose will battle for Saturday’s title in the final.
Three dance routines will be performed by the finalist on Saturday’s live-show.
Rose is the favourite to win having dominated the betting since the early stages and has now fallen into a red-hot 1/20 to lift the glitterball trophy, however AJ’s withdrawal has now seen John’s chances of an upset clipped in to 8/1 from 14/1 by BoyleSports.
It will feature also a performance from the professional dancers, where Janette Manrara will rejoin the group, after quitting to host It Takes Two, and dance alongside husband Aljaž Škorjanec.
Ed Sheeran, the night’s musical entertainment will be provided.
Devastated: She detailed the injury in a social media post on Wednesday evening as she sat on a sofa
AJ was left unable stand after she sustained ligament injury to her foot. The star can’t put weight on her feet, but she still hopes to be in the final.
AJ looked weak as she hobbled on crutches after receiving treatment for the injury on Wednesday.
Even with her injuries, the beauty managed to still look fashionable in an orange and black striped jumper that she paired with dark denim jeans.
The camouflage bag was a perfect finishing touch to her relaxed look. She also wore a mask over her mouth and nose.
AJ broke down on Wednesday while reflecting back on her Strictly experiences so far. She was unable, however, to make a decision about whether she would be performing in Saturday’s Grand Final.
Later, she posted details about her injury on social media on Wednesday night just before appearing on Strictly Sister-show It Takes Two.
AJ stated: ‘Basically, it’s short and simple. I’ve hurt my ligament, so I’m unable to put any weight on the foot.
“We missed much of our training due to me being unable to stand, so I have crutches. I will do everything possible for Saturday night.
“It is just frustrating because we keep repeating the same two dances from the series that we have not performed in weeks or weeks. Without giving away too much, they are energetic dances.
“On Monday we were positive because we were like, do you still know the steps? We just have to work up our stamina. Kai also mentioned that although it’s a stunning and impressive routine we have performed before it becomes a chore to master it all again.
“I’m very upset and frustrated at the moment.”
It’s not good news: The Mirror was told by a source that this is the worst timing, but that AJ is a true trooper who will continue to fight no matter what. It was horrible to feel the pain in her feet.
AJ posted a picture of her injured foot while she was preparing for an appearance on It Takes Two spin-off Strictly. She revealed that she had been unable to rehearse in advance of the final.
The author wrote that she had suffered a traumatic injury to her right ankle, affecting both the capsule and joint. It happened at training, but I don’t remember when it occurred. The pain began on Monday night.
‘The pain was so intense that I actually projectile vomited. Right now, I am unable to put any weight on either my right or left foot and feel no discomfort.
“I’m not able move with crutches so we’re unable and won’t be able rehearse before the live final. A huge understatement, I am devastated.
“THAT BEING SAYED” Despite the fact that it isn’t exactly what I expected, I am trying to stay positive and hopeful. A wonderful medical team are working hard to get me on my feet. I also have the best partner, who literally is my support system.
“Thanks for all the messages. It will all be fine on the evening, I hope.
Gutted: Speaking on Wednesday, AJ sobbed as she looked back at her Strictly experience so far, without being able to confirm if she will perform in Saturday night’s grand final
Pro Giovanni sustained an injury that also led to AJ’s resignation from the contest.
The celebrity partner Rose and the dancer were arriving at London’s It Takes Two film studios on Thursday when the closing door closed. Rose was the one who crushed the foot of the dancing artist.
Giovanni and Rose stood outside talking to their fans, while waiting patiently for the entrance to the film studios to open from inside.
Oh no! Giovanni Pernice, 31, was hurt when he tried to close a door on Thursday as he arrived at London’s It Takes Two film studios with Rose Ayling Ellis, his celebrity partner in dance.
Ouch! Giovanni exclaimed “That’s mine!” After it became trapped, it almost was crushed by Giovanni’s foot.
Finally, three men left through the door to behind them, and after the third and final man passed through, Giovanni used his foot to keep the door ajar and urged him: ‘keep it keep it keep it…’
However, the man wouldn’t listen to professional dancers and closed the door instead.
Giovanni exclaimed, “That’s my foot!” Giovanni pulled it out of the mud at the very last moment, after having almost been crushed by its weight.
Rose, unaware of Rose’s close call, asked Rose: “So, we are not going into then?”
Giovanni responded: ‘I was holding the door with my foot’ as he explained what had happened.
“You almost had a broken foot then!” One of the spectators who had watched the unfolding incident commented, “You almost had a broken leg then!”
MailOnline reached Giovanni Pernice’s representatives to get their comments.
At 7pm, the final of Strictly Come Dancing will be broadcast on BBC One
You, me or you? Giovanni used his foot for the final man to pass through the door. He then urged him: “Keep it open …’.”