Strictly: ‘Still possible’ for AJ Odudu to appear in final despite injury, says Craig Revel Horwood
Judge said that Odudu had been treated after injuring her foot in training
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.Craig Revel Horwood has said that it’s “still possible” for AJ Odudu to perform in Saturday (18 November) night’s Strictly Come Dancing final.
The TV presenter is one of three finalists competing for the Glitterball trophy, but suffered a major blow on Monday (13 December) after sustaining a “traumatic” foot injury during training.
During an interview on It Takes Two on Wednesday (15 December), a tearful Odudu confirmed that she is “unable to stand on [her] right foot” and currently needs crutches to walk. As a result, she will not be able to rehearse for the final
However, appearing on Good Morning Britain on Thursday (16 December), judge Horwood provided fans with an update, saying that Odudu had now been treated and that she was hopeful she’d be able to perform in the final.
“We’re keeping our fingers crossed,” Horwood said. “She’s had treatment yesterday, thank goodness, she thinks she’s going to be able to get through it.”
He continued: “Like any sportsperson, you soldier on. She’s worked months and months to get to this point. I think she just went over on it and hurt a ligament… It is possible, let’s just wait and see. She’s so good.”
Speaking about her injury, Odudu said that the pain had come on “so suddenly and acutely that I actually projectile vomited”.
Odudu and partner Kai Widdrington are due to perform three times on Saturday, with two fast-paced numbers they’ve done before (their jive and charleston) and the showdance.
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 to be named series champion.
Strictly Come Dancing concludes 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