Strictly’s AJ and Kai could return for 2022 series after they were forced to pull out of the final

Virgin Radio

21 Dec 2021, 11:48

It’s safe to say we were all devastated for AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington after they were forced to pull out of the Strictly Come Dancing final due to an injury.

However, it might not be the end of the road for the couple as they could return to perform on next year’s show.

There are reports that the show’s bosses are considering inviting the pair back for a one-off appearance.

A source told The Sun: “The winner of the show returns to perform again for one dance when the series starts up again, and it’s been suggested AJ could be allowed to come back for one last turn on the dance floor.”

The British television presenter was not able to compete in the final last weekend (18 December) after she ruptured a ligament.

Fans and fellow contestants were gutted when she took to Instagram to share the news, writing: “I want to say a huge 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 watching and supporting.

The last dance AJ and Kai did on the show:

You’ve made this experience one to remember, and I couldn’t be more grateful for your well wishes. Strictly Come Dancing has been a lifelong dream of mine, and I’m glad it came true.”

AJ and Kai were invited to the final regardless and appeared in a front now seat. They were also invited to an interview with Claudia Winkleman, where they both broke down in tears.

During the interview, AJ said: “I don’t know how to describe what it feels like to have a broken heart, and that’s what it feels like.

“But we have had the best time on this show, and I’ve been putting on a brave face, Kai’s been putting on a brave face, we’ve loved the show tonight.”

Despite their departure, the Strictly final was still a memorable one, with 11 million people tuning in to watch John Waite and Johannes Radebe as the first same-sex finalists, go against Giovanni Pernice and Rose Ayling-Ellis, who became the first deaf person to lift the Glitterball trophy.

Strictly Come Dancing is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.