AJ Odudu has confirmed she'll be at tonight's Strictly Come Dancing finale after a last minute injury stopped her from performing.
AJ was a fan favourite to win the BBC show until she injured herself in rehearsals with partner Kai Widdrington on Monday.
Viewers of the show were hopeful that she would be able to pull through when she was spotted on crutches earlier this week, but her traumatic ankle injury left her unable to stand on her right foot.
The 33-year-old TV presenter withdrew from Strictly just 24 hours before the final.
Speaking to Claudia Winkleman on BBC Radio 2, AJ confirmed she intends to cheer on the remaining contestants tonight.
She said: "I, of course, would love to be on the dancefloor with them tonight but I can't wait to cheer them on with one leg through lots of tears."
Taking to Instagram, AJ shared a short clip looking back over her Strictly journey.
She captioned the video: "The sky's the limit now. [blue heart emoji][crying smile emoji][cloud emoji][sparkle emoji]"
The short clip saw AJ's brother and sister, Chooks and Abigail, fondly talking about the star - who they dubbed "the centre of attention".
Her friends Jordan and Chris also called her a "positive ball of energy".
Brothers Ags and Ono also featured in the clip, reflecting on how successful she had been on the show.
They said: "We were absolutely blown away by how good she was."
Her loved ones told viewers that the AJ they see on camera is who she is when she's off screen too.
AJ's mother Florence ended the clip by saying: "We all love you. The sky's the limit now."
Which AJ emotionally referenced in her caption, the comments were flooded with affectionate words to the dancing favourite as people expressed their pride in her abilities.
Singer Pixie Lott wrote: "AJ!! You are an absolute legend!!!"
One follower penned: "Absolutely the sky’s the limit & beyond Queen!! Be proud of what you’ve achieved, [you're] making it possible for so many young girls believe that they will be able to do it too. You are your Ancestors wildest dreams. Keep rising."
A second wrote: "You are amazing AJ! You're my winners & you left on such a high with your best dance last week! Be very proud! Your both fantastic! Wishing you the speediest of recoveries! Get well soon! Xxx"
Fans have dubbed her their winner, with a third saying: "AJ, you are so loved. Such a beautiful, genuine person who has touched the souls of the nation. The people’s champion for sure."
