Strictly Come Dancing: AJ Odudu Withdraws From Grand Final After Horror Injury

The news was announced on the official Strictly Twitter page, which said: "Sadly, due to injury AJ and Kai have had to withdraw from Strictly and won't compete in tomorrow's final. We want to thank them for 13 incredible weeks on the show and the pure joy they brought to the dance floor every week."

The presenter suffered a "traumatic" ankle injury earlier this week, while in training.

Taking to Instagram, AJ explained: "I've got a repeated traumatic impact injury to my right ankle affecting the joint, capsule and ligaments themselves. I can't pinpoint a moment it actually happened during training but the pain came on suddenly on Monday night.

"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."

AJ was consistently a frontrunner throughout Strictly this year, and was paired with brand new professional dancer Kai Widdrington.

The pair previously appeared on spin-off show Strictly: It Takes Two, where AJ tearfully expressed hope that she would be able to compete on Saturday night's show.

"I’m unable to stand on my right foot, and I can’t stand up without crutches, and I’m feeling upset I’m sorry," she told host Janette Manrara.

"I’m upset because we were so excited on Monday, we have got three amazing dances but we really really want to perform."

Fans on the show on Twitter were quick to send their love to AJ.

"I am really sorry that you are injured, AJ. Sending love and healing wishes," one person said.

"My heart is breaking seeing AJ Odudu cry," added another.

Strictly Come Dancing continues tomorrow at 7pm on BBC One.