Strictly final thrown into question following AJ Odudu’s crushing injury update
‘I need crutches to walk,’ the tearful finalist has revealed
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Strictly Come Dancing star AJ Odudu has shared an update on the injury that might keep her from participating in the final this weekend.
It was reported that Odudu was on crutches after sustaining an injury in her foot, but no more details were known.
However, following an appearance on Strictly’s companion show It Takes Two on Wednesday (15 December), Odudu confirmed that she is “unable to stand on [her] right foot” and currently needs crutches to walk.
Fighting back tears, she told host Janette Manrara: “I'm upset because, yeah, I’ve suffered an injury. I don’t know when it happened but, essentially, I have issues with my joint”.
She said she has sustained a “traumatic” injury on her ligaments, adding: “I can’t pinpoint when it happened during training”.
Odudu said “the pain came on so suddenly and acutely that I actually projectile vomited”.
She said she remains hopeful that she’ll be able to perform at the final on Saturday (18 December), saying: “We’ve got three amazing dances that we really want to perform. I am genuinely hopeful.”
“I’m surrounded by a really great medical team, who are trying my best to get me back on my feet, and I’ve got Kai [Widdrington] who is really holding me together,” Odudu added
The presenter then shared an update on her social media page, announcing what she had said on It Takes Two.
Should Odudu not be able to perform, she will finish in third place, leaving EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis and former Great British Bake Off winner John Whaite to compete for the Glitterball trophy.
Strictly concludes this Saturday (18 December) at 7pm on BBC One.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments