Why is AJ Odudu not in the Strictly Come Dancing final?
AJ Odudu has been forced OUT of the Strictly final after a nasty injury has left her unable to compete.
In a devastating blow to AJ and dance partner Kai Widdrington, it has been confirmed the pair will not be moving forward in the competition.
Why is AJ Odudu not in the Strictly Come Dancing 2021 final?
AJ's appearance on the Strictly final came under threat due to an injury which left on her on crutches just days before the final.
Now it has been confirmed she has been forced to pull out.
In a statement today, AJ said: “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 [Widdrington] 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 [Whaite] and Johannes [Radebe] and Rose [Ayling-Ellis] and Giovanni [Pernice]. I will be cheering you on (on one leg!).”
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Will anyone replace AJ Odudu in the Strictly Come Dancing 2021 final?
Rhys Stephenson, who was eliminated in the semi-final, yesterday ruled out a return as a final replacement.
The final two pairs will go head to head instead to take out the Glitterball Trophy.
That includes EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis is the frontrunner tipped to take home the Strictly prize on Saturday night.
She is paired up with Giovanni Pernice who branded Rose "the best partner" in a recent interview.
She'll be up against chef John Whaite who will be dancing alongside partner Johannes Radebe in the final.
When is the Strictly Come Dancing final?
The Strictly Come Dancing 2021 final will air on BBC One THIS SATURDAY (December 18, 2021) from 7pm.
This means one contestant will be celebrating Christmas as Strictly's fiercest dancer.
🔵 Read our Strictly Come Dancing live blog for the latest updates
The series will have been on the air for three months when the finale will hit the screens.
The finale will then be available for viewers wishing to catch up with the programme on .
Results each week announcing the unlucky celeb to be voted out of the dancing competition are usually aired on a Sunday evening.
But the final result's is expected to be revealed on the Saturday night.