AJ Odudu pulls out of Strictly Come Dancing final over foot injury

AJ Odudu and her partner Kai Widdrington have pulled out of the Strictly Come Dancing final.

The couple confirmed they would no longer take part on Saturday night with just 24 hours to go, after consulting medical professionals about Odudu's foot injury.

It leaves just two contestants, Rose Ayling-Ellis and John Whaite, going head-to-head in the final episode of the BBC One series.

The presenter's appearance was hanging in the balance after she suffered ligament damage that left her on crutches.

It meant that the 33-year-old and her professional partner, Kai Widdrington were unable to practice their show dance.

Odudu 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.

"Good luck to my partners in dance, John & Johannes and Rose and Giovanni. I will be cheering you on (on one leg!)."

Widdrington, who has made it to the final in his first year as a Strictly professional, said Odudu’s commitment had moved him to tears after last week’s quickstep, which received a perfect score from the judges.

Ayling-Ellis remains the favourite to win the competition. She and her professional partner, Giovanni Pernice, will reprise their Couple’s Choice routine, which included 10 seconds of silence to represent how the deaf community experience the world.

Widdrington said: @I’ve been absolutely honoured to get to dance with the incredible AJ Odudu for the last few months and although neither of us wanted our journey to end this way, AJ’s health and safety are by far the most important things."

Sarah James, Strictly Come Dancing executive producer, added: “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 dance floor. "