After consulting medical specialists about Odudu’s foot issue, AJ Odudu and her partner, Kai Widdrington, have withdrawn from the Strictly Come Dancing final on Saturday night.
“I’m deeply disappointed that I won’t be able to perform in the final due to a torn ligament in my right ankle,” Odudu stated.
“Learning to dance over the last 13 weeks has been an incredible honor, and doing so with someone as special, patient, and dedicated as Kai is something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.”
“I’d like to thank the Strictly family for the experience, the medical team for attempting to get me back on my feet, and, most importantly, everyone at home for watching and supporting me.”
“You’ve made this an unforgettable experience.” Strictly Come Dancing has been a longtime ambition of mine, and I’m delighted that it has come true.
“Wishing my dance partners, John and Johannes, and Rose and Giovanni, the best of luck.” “I’ll be rooting for you (on one leg!).”
The TV host disclosed the injury during a segment on the spin-off program Strictly: It Takes Two on Wednesday. She also shared photographs of herself on crutches on social media and issued a statement stating, “The pain was so intense that I projectile vomited, and I can’t put any weight on my right foot without agonizing discomfort.” Despite this, she had hoped to be able to compete in the final.
Odudu and Widdrington, on the other hand, have opted to withdraw since she has not been able to recover from her injuries with medical care.
“Ultrasounds, MRI scans, and X-rays have all been done on me.” Two incisions were made to drain the swelling surrounding my ankle.
On Instagram, Odudu said, “I’ve injected local anaesthetic directly into my foot, and I’ve been strapped up to an ice compression machine for days.” “I even inquired of the doctors as to whether I could perform in a medical moonboot!” But the truth is that I can’t even stand still, much alone dance.”
The Great British Bake Off winner John Whaite, who dances with Johannes Radebe and performed a much-celebrated version of Adele’s Hometown Glory in Saturday’s semi-final; and EastEnders actor Rose Ayling-Ellis, who dances with Giovanni Pernice and wowed viewers with a powerful tribute to deaf people set to the music of Clean & Simple.
Odudu withdraws after finishing equal top on the scoreboard alongside Ayling-Ellis the previous week, as well as earning her first perfect score for a quickstep performance. “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,” Sarah James, executive producer of Strictly Come Dancing, stated.
Thanks to Alexi Duggins at The Guardian whose reporting provided the original basis for this story.
