Strictly's AJ Odudu's partner speaks out after devastating ankle injury update

AJ Odudu's partner on Strictly Come Dancing has hailed her 'positive energy' following the TV presenter's 'devastating' ankle injury ahead of Saturday night's final.

With just days to go until the Strictly Come Dancing finale, the pressure is on for the remaining three couples to dial up their practices and perfect their Saturday night routines. 

Unfortunately for one pairing though, it looks like rest—rather than rehearsals—might be their only way of taking that coveted Glitterball trophy this weekend. 

Just hours after being tipped the new Strictly Come Dancing 'frontrunner', finalist AJ Odudo has revealed she has suffered a devastating injury—shedding serious doubt over her chances at victory in the fast-approaching finale. 

The British TV presenter said that she is "unable to move without crutches" on Wednesday, having being diagnosed with "repeated impact trauma" to the "joint, capsule and ligaments" of her right ankle. 

The acute injury, which initially caused her to "projectile vomit" from the pain, has inhibited her from practicing her routines with pro partner Kai ahead of the live final —giving their rival Strictly couples an undeniable advantage on the evening. It's already been widely speculated the Rose and Giovanni could win Strictly 2021, and with the tipped runner ups currently out of action, their triumph over Johannes and John could be a shoo-in. 

Despite feeling "gutted" over the setback, AJ says that she is determined to remain "hopeful" that she'll recover in time for the big night. 

As well as seeking treatment from a "fantastic medical team", she is also receiving the support of her beloved pro partner, Kai. 

She gushed about the "incredible" English choreographer in the post, revealing that he has been "carrying me emotionally and physically (literally)" during this difficult time. 

Kai has also praised his partner's attitude towards the injury, telling BBC Strictly's official Instagram that he admires AJ's "positive energy" in the face of hardship. 

"Even on crutches, she's still having a smile on her face and laughing," he said. 

Luckily for AJ, she will have access to top-class medical treatment on the BBC reality show. The Repair Shop star Jay Blades, who has been confirmed to perform on the upcoming Strictly Christmas special, spilled some insider details earlier this month on just how impressive the show's physio team is. 

"They hook you up with a physio and it's unbelievable," he said. "I'll tell you how unbelievable it was, I cried because she got rid of the pain."