TV presenter AJ Odudu has been inspired to crack America by her Strictly dance partner Kai Widdrington.
The 33-year-old hopeful says Kai’s motivational speeches have inspired her to dream big.
Speaking before the semi-final, AJ said: “There’s been offers to do things, which is brilliant.
“As a little girl, I always wanted to be a TV presenter and didn’t really think about cracking America.
“I’m a hometown girl… but never say never.”
AJ told how appearing on Strictly had been “life-changing” – and said the show’s behind-the-scenes footage had been a real game-changer for her.
“There’s so many little things that subconsciously, I haven’t realised about myself,” she said.
“Even the confidence to go on TV in front of millions of people without a face of make-up on has been quite a thing.
“Kai has been really getting into the motivational speeches to me beforehand, trying to get me in the mental headspace to put in a good performance because I do get so nervous. But showing a different side to my personality and being my completely unapologetic self has been liberating.
“It’s not something I do naturally – like go on TV and cry.
“I’m usually bubbly and bouncy so just to show myself and be accepted for being myself has been really amazing.
“Obviously Kai is teaching me how to use my body and express my emotions through dance. It has been literally life-changing. I do definitely feel empowered by the show… completely liberated.”
For weeks now, Strictly fans have been wondering whether AJ and Kai’s on-screen chemistry has spilled over into real life.
In Movie Week, Kai, 26, is reported to have whispered “I love you so much” in AJ’s ear. Then, following their Couple’s Choice routine, he was seen tapping AJ’s bottom.
But the pair have played down any rumours of a romance.
Kai said: “I said this from day one – if it looks that way when we’re dancing, we’re doing our job correctly. It’s part of dancing and we’re having a great time enjoying these characters.”
However, Kai revealed that he has something special lined up for AJ if they go on to lift the Glitterball trophy together.
“I’ll take her for a roast,” he said. “I’ve not had a roast dinner in so long, with lots of red wine and gravy.
“After spending so long with someone, of course you have to stay in contact. We get on like a house on fire. Why wouldn’t we stay in touch?”
