Strictly's AJ Odudu reveals injury before final

AJ Odudu has become the latest Strictly Come Dancing contestant to reveal an urgent medical problem ahead of this weekend's final.

With eliminated contestants Tilly Ramsay and Robert Webb both ruled out of taking part in a group dance routine, top three finalist AJ has confirmed her ability to compete is in question.

While the presenter has been expected to join pro partner Kai Widdrington to face John Whaite and pro partner Johannes Radebe as well as Rose Ayling-Ellis and pro partner Giovanni Pernice, AJ has now revealed she has suffered an ankle injury during rehearsals.

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In an Instagram post, AJ described a "repeated traumatic impact injury" to her right ankle that has essentially sidelined her during the all-important rehearsal process for the finals on Saturday (December 18).

"I can't pinpoint a moment it actually happened during training but the pain came on suddenly on Monday night," she wrote. "The pain was so acute that I projectile vomited and currently I can't put any weight on my right foot without agonising discomfort.

"Because I'm unable to move without crutches, we haven't been nor will be able to rehearse properly ahead of the live final. To say I'm devastated would be a huge understatement and I am gutted."

While the outlook isn't necessarily positive for AJ being 100% for the finals, she has promised fans that she isn't bowing out of the competition.

strictly come dancing's aj odudu and kai widdrington dance the pasa doble

Guy Levy//BBC

"I'm surrounded by a fantastic medical team who are trying their best to get me back on my feet PLUS, I have the most incredible partner [Kai Widdrington] who is carrying me emotionally and physically (literally). Thanks for all your messages. I sincerely hope it will be all right on the night," she added.

We're wishing AJ all the best on a speedy recovery before Saturday's finals!

Strictly Come Dancing 2021 airs on Saturday nights on BBC One, with results shows every Sunday. Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights at 6.30pm on BBC Two.