AJ Ododu and Kai Widdrington were in floods of tears as they opened up about their show exit.
The dancers were set to compete in tomorrow night's final against Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice - and John Whaite and Johannes Radebe for the Glitterball trophy
However, the presenter announced today she has been forced to pull out after she tore ligaments in her foot earlier this week.
READ MORE: Will anyone replace AJ Odudu for Strictly Come Dancing final?
AJ and Kai appeared on tonight's edition of spin off show It Takes Two and were visibly upset after a montage was broadcast of their journey on the show.
AJ spoke about how she was "gutted" after the manner in which their time on Strictly has ended.
She said: "We're gutted because we were ready to smash it and this isn't the way we wanted to go out, but even just looking back on those moments it's been an absolute pleasure dancing with [Kai] every week."
This is Kai's first season on Strictly and he revealed the two were still hoping to be able to perform after the injury.
He said: "We were really hoping we were going to get over the line and get in the final.
"We had two energetic dances and we thought if we could change them maybe we can do something but the injuries are just too bad and, at the end of the day, AJ's health is the number one concern."
AJ said she even offered to perform the dance wearing a protective moon-boot but she eventually conceded to the doctor's advice.
The 33-year-old was in tears after a video was shown of her family's messages to her before she issued a thank you to everyone that has supported her along the journey.
She added: "You've made the whole experience so magical and we wouldn't have made the final without you.
"Although we wont be dancing in the final, we earned our place in the final so we're still over the moon."
Viewers following the show on Twitter were similarly emotional as the contestants bid farewell to this season of the show.
One user said: "Just in pieces for AJ and Kai."
Rachael said: "I’m backing Rose and Gio, but seeing AJ and Kai in bits, has got to me . Feel so desperately sad for them."
Leah posted: "It’s awful seeing aj & kai so upset but they have both been so incredible and they were always so much fun to watch"
Mel added: "That montage of AJ and Kai and her family talking about their achievements on #Strictly. Good God #ItTakesTwo! What you guys doing to me?! I’m not crying, you are!"
The Strictly Come Dancing final airs tomorrow at 7pm on BBC One and IPlayer
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