Strictly 2021 final in jeopardy as contestant is spotted on crutches
Strictly Come Dancing 2021 final could be in jeopardy after AJ Odudu was spotted on crutches with an injury ahead of this weekend's ultimate show.
There are just three couple's left in Strictly Come Dancing 2021 and with the pressure mounting over who will win over the judges and ultimately the viewers at home, one contestant is feeling the pain.
AJ was spotted using the walking aids just days before the final and it's understood she had to miss a day of training to go for a scan following her injury scare.
A source told The Mirror, "This is the worst possible timing but AJ is a real trooper and will keep going no matter what. The pain in her foot was terrible."
The insider also said that they were "hopeful" that the TV star would be fit enough for the final and in the hope of doing her best with professional partner Kai Widrington, she is currently "resting her foot".
AJ has found the dance schedules gruelling and has had physiotherapy every day for a week due to her back problems.
She previously told contestants she felt “battered” by the rigorous training and going into Saturday’s show, AJ and Kai were second favourites, with latest odds of 7/1, behind Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice.
GoodtoKnow Newsletter
Parenting advice, hot topics, best buys and family finance tips delivered straight to your inbox.
To earn herself a place in the final AJ wowed judges with her Quickstep and Rumba and she shared her delight at going through when she tweeted, 'Still can't believe we're @bbcstrictly FINALISTS!!!! I'm so happy I could burst. Thank you for all your votes and kind messages and thank you @kaiwidd for believing in me. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.'
The other two couples who will also be competing for the glitterball trophy this weekend is Giovanni Pernice and Rose Ayling-Ellis plus former Bake Off contestant John Whaite and his partner Johannes Radebe.
But it's hoped AJ will be back into the swing of things in time for Strictly final 2021, as body language expert Darren Stanton tells Betfair that he thinks AJ is the frontrunner to be crowned Strictly champion this year.
He said, "AJ narrowly managed to escape being voted off in the quarter-final, so all eyes were on her as she took to the dance floor on Saturday. The judges were keeping a watchful eye on AJ and her partner Kai and it’s clear the pair worked hard to up their game. AJ has the potential to be the eventual winner and this could be thanks to her strengthened connection with Kai as shown on the dance floor on Saturday.
"They were moving around as if physically connected as one person. The strength of their bond has reached new heights, with their near exit bringing them even closer together. Their body language was without fault throughout their performance and the hook at the end of the dance, the prolonged eye contact and general physicality between them shows the pair have built a very deep state of rapport between them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iaZMxpFZFk
He continued, "Even the judges seem to think so, Anton was very complimentary about AJ, while Craig was the most positive he has been about AJ throughout the entire competition. Shirley put on a hugely passionate and animated display - clenching her fists and engaging her face - while delivering her feedback for the couple and her comments were truly heartfelt. I would even go as far as to say AJ could emerge as the frontrunner as the final nears in the coming days and go on to lift the Glitterball trophy."
But with this injury to overcome, AJ is predicted to face stiff competition from an ‘emotional’ John Whaite and 'effortless' Rose Ayling-Ellis who came out fighting after a confidence knock.
Strictly final 2021 is on Saturday 18th December at 7pm on BBC One.
Selina is a Senior Family Writer for GoodtoKnow and has more than 16 years years of experience. She specialises in royal family news, including the latest activities of Prince George, Charlotte, Louis, Archie and Lilibet. She also covers the latest government, health and charity advice for families. Selina graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2006 with a degree in Journalism, and gained her NCTJ and NCE qualifications. During her career, she’s also written for Woman, Woman's Own, Woman&Home, and Woman's Weekly as well as Heat magazine, Bang Showbiz - and the Scunthorpe Telegraph. When she's not covering family news, you can find her exploring new countryside walking routes, catching up with friends over good food, or making memories (including award-winning scarecrows!)
-
Cosatto Wow 3 hands-on review: practical, beautiful and comfortable - wow!
A versatile travel system with a newborn carrycot, upright pushchair seat and a compatible car seat - everything you need in one stylish package
By Heidi Scrimgeour Published
-
14 of the best pushchairs to buy in 2024: buggies and strollers for growing toddlers reviewed
We asked a panel of parents to put the latest pushchairs to the test - here's what they thought
By Heidi Scrimgeour Published
-
Who is favourite to win Strictly 2023? The odds on all your favourite stars
Do you agree with the predictions?
By Selina Maycock Last updated
-
When is the Strictly launch show 2023? The confirmed start date of the BBC series
The glitz and glamour of Strictly Come Dancing returns to screens - and it's not long to wait
By Selina Maycock Published
-
Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse is pregnant with her first child
“We love our little bundle of joy so much already”
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Who are the Strictly It Takes Two presenters 2023 and why did Rylan leave?
The Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two presenters 2023 take fans through the highs and lows of the line-up’s weekly dances ahead of the main show.
By Selina Maycock Published
-
Strictly Come Dancing star Len Goodman has died aged 78
Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman has died aged 78 after a short battle with bone cancer.
By Emily Stedman Published
-
Who is Bruno Tonioli and is he married? All you need to know about the new Britain's Got Talent 2023 judge
As news season starts, David Walliam's replacement gets to work
By Selina Maycock Published
-
Strictly Come Dancing star Neil jones expecting first child with Chyna Mills as they reveal surprise engagement
Strictly's Neil Jones and Love Island's Chyna Mills are expecting their first child!
By Selina Maycock Published
-
Where is Anton & Giovanni: Adventures in Sicily filmed? Locations featured in the reality show explained
Where is Anton & Giovanni: Adventures in Sicily filmed? We reveal the exact locations in Sicily the enigmatic pair can be found during their adventure.
By Lucy Wigley Published