John Whaite has sent an emotional message to AJ Odudu after she was forced to drop out of the Strictly Come Dancing finale.
AJ, 33, pulled out of the BBC competition one day before the all-glittering finale after picking up a horror injury that left her struggling to walk.
Following the shocking news, John, 32, sent her an emotional message on Instagram, admitting the finale “won’t be the same”.
Sharing Strictly’s announcement that AJ was stepping down, John said: “This is devastating news.
“AJ and Kai [Widdrington] have worked so hard and deserved their place in the final.
“Sending so much love to you both AJ and Kai. It won’t be the same without you,” finishing with a trio of crying emojis.
(Image: BBC/Guy Levy)
AJ said in her own statement: “I’m deeply upset that I am unable to perform in the final due to a torn ligament in my right ankle.
“Learning to dance over the last 13 weeks has been an incredible honour and to do it alongside someone as special, patient and devoted as Kai is something I’ll treasure forever.
“Thank you to the Strictly family for the experience, the medical team for trying to get me back on my feet, and mostly, to everyone at home for watching and supporting. You’ve made this experience one to remember.
(Image: BBC / Guy Levy)
“Strictly Come Dancing has been a lifelong dream and I’m glad it came true. Good luck to my partners in dance, John and Johannes and Rose and Giovanni. I will be cheering you on (on one leg!).”
John will now face off EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, 27, in the finale – which has been confirmed will have a reduced run time.
(Image: SplashNews.com)
The two celebrities will dance three routines, but rather than scramble to fill the extra time that would’ve been used for AJ’s performances, BBC bosses confirmed it would just be cut.
Reports suggest it could be cut by half an hour, though it’s sure to be unmissable television regardless.
And it sounds like John isn’t expecting to beat Rose, as he confessed he’s “not bothered about winning” as the support for being in the first all-male couple has been “mega” enough already.
Strictly Come Dancing airs at 7.10pm on BBC1
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
