Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Strictly: What will happen now AJ Odudu can’t dance and has withdrawn from the final?

Many wondered if Rhys Stephenson could make a return one week after being eliminated

Jacob Stolworthy
Friday 17 December 2021 13:04 GMT
Comments
AJ Odudu in tears after 'letting down' viewers with error in latest dance

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 is “on crutches” after suffering an injury mere days before the final.

The TV presenter is currently the second favourite to win the 2022 series, but has now announced she will be unable to participate in tomorrow night’s episode (18 December).

Odudu tearfully confirmed the injury on companion show It Takes Two, saying that she is currently “unable to stand” on her right foot and that the pain came on so suddenly that she “projectile vomited” during rehearsals.

Odudu was set to compete in the final alongside EastEnders actor Rose Ayling-Ellis and former Great British Bake Off winner John Whaite.

Now Odudu has withdrawn from the series, she has officially finished in third place.

While many thought her departure could mean the return of semi-finalist Rhys Stephenson, the BBC has confirmed Odudu won’t be replaced.

Earlier this series, Tom Fletcher and Ugo Monye both missed a week due to injuries, but were permitted to return the following week.

Sara Davies was also forced to miss a week after contracting Covid-19.

AJ Odudu with her professional dance partner Kai Widdrington
AJ Odudu with her professional dance partner Kai Widdrington (BBC iPlayer)

As this is the final, Odudu would have to finish in third place, leaving Rose and John to battle it out for the Glitterball trophy.

Odudu became the second favourite to win the show after bouncing back from being in the bottom two by achieving her first full marks of 40 in last weekend’s semi-final.

Whaite’s odds drifted after he faced CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson, who was eliminated, in the dance off.

Ayling-Ellis is currently the favourite to take home the 2022 Glitterball trophy.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in