AJ Odudu has quit Strictly 24 hours before the final after a devastating ankle injury left her unable to stand.
The TV presenter had hoped she'd recover from her "traumatic" ankle injury, but was forced to dramatically pull out of the show with barely 24 hours to go until the grand final.
In a statement the BBC said: "Sadly due to injury AJ and Kai have had to withdraw from #Strictly and won’t compete in tomorrow’s final. We want to thank them for 13 incredible weeks on the show and the pure joy they brought to the dance floor every week."
AJ said she was deeply upset she had to leave the show, adding: "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. Strictly Come Dancing has been a lifelong dream and I'm glad it came true. Good luck to my partners in dance, John & Johannes and Rose and Giovanni. I will be cheering you on (on one leg!)"
Kai said: "I’ve been absolutely honoured to get to dance with the incredible AJ Odudu for the last few months and although neither of us wanted our journey to end this way, AJ’s health and safety are by far the most important things. I want to thank AJ for being the absolute best partner I could ever have asked for in my first year on the show and I will always treasure the memories of dancing in the Strictly ballroom with her.
"I know we will be friends for life and I will be there for her through her recovery in whatever way I can. I want to wish good luck to John and Johannes and Rose and Giovanni for the final. And finally the biggest thank you to everyone who voted for us throughout the series, your support has been unforgettable."
AJ, whose dance partner is Kai Widdrington, shared a snap of herself on Instagram on Wednesday with a pair of crutches as she rested up after an appearance on Strictly - It Takes Two.
She captioned the post: "I've got a repeated traumatic impact injury to my right ankle affecting the joint, capsule and ligaments themselves.
"I can't pinpoint a moment it actually happened during training but the pain came on suddenly on Monday night.
"The pain was so acute that I projectile vomited and currently I can't put any weight on my right foot without agonising discomfort."
AJ revealed she has been unable to walk without crutches and therefore couldn't rehearse.
However she said: "I'm surrounded by a fantastic medical team who are trying their best to get me back on my feet PLUS, I have the most incredible partner @kaiwidd who is carrying me emotionally and physically (literally).
Strictly finalist John Whaite pledged his support for his competitor saying: "Girl you better be there Saturday! There’s a glitterball with your name on it."
Professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, who is also dancing in the final with Rose Ayling-Ellis, commented: "You have got this !!! Come on."
While Strictly host Claudia Winkleman simply left three red heart emojis.
AJ's emotional post came after she broke down in tears during an appearance on Wednesday's It Takes Two she updated host Janette Manrara on her condition.
"I'm upset because we were so excited on Monday, we've got three amazing dances that we really, really want to perform," she said crying.
"I know I'm upset but I am genuinely remaining hopeful and I'm surrounded by a really great medical team who are trying their best to get me back on my feet."
The Strictly Come Dancing final is on BBC One on Saturday at 7pm.
