Rose Ayling-Ellis is "absolutely devastated" for AJ Odudu after she was forced to quit Strictly Come Dancing.
The EastEnders actress heaped praise on the presenter after an ankle injury meant she had to exit the BBC One show, just hours before the final took place, leaving Rose and Giovanni to take on John and Johannes for the crown.
And TV chef John called AJ "inspirational" as he celebrated her joy and positivity throughout the series.
AJ was forced to quit the show after injuring her ankle and despite all of her - and the medical team's - efforts, they couldn't get her back fighting fit in time for Saturday evening's show.
Taking to Instagram, soap actress Rose wrote: "Absolutely devastated for you both. You should be so proud of all the work you done. It is beautiful. I'm sending lots of love to you both."
John added in his own message: "Love you SO much. You deserved this because you've worked so hard for it, and you’ve been a beacon of joy and positivity for many of us. In spite of this blow, please remember how many people you have touched and inspired."
AJ confirmed she was leaving the show in a heartbreaking post today, which she shared with her fans online.
"I've had ultrasounds, MRI scans and x-rays. I've had two incisions to drain the inflammation around my ankle," she began.
"I've injected local anaesthetic directly into my foot, I have been strapped up to an ice compression machine for days. I've done all I can possibly do to get back on my feet for the @bbcstrictly Final, I even asked the docs if I could perform in a medical moonboot! But the fact is, I can't stand on my feet let alone dance because I've torn my spring ligament."
Thanking Kai, she added: "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.
"You're the best @kaiwidd and I know you were ready to be my human crutch on that dancefloor come tomorrow night. Gutted!"
