Kai Widdrington will have a new celeb partner for the Strictly Come Dancing live tour now AJ Odudu has had to withdraw.
AJ and Kai were forced to pull out the final last month with just 24 hours to go, after she sustained serious ligament damage during training.
The fan favourites had to watch Rose and Giovanni win from the sidelines, with TV star AJ telling host Claudia Winkleman it was like she’d had her heart broken.
In the aftermath of the Strictly finale, bosses confirmed that AJ and Kai were on the lineup for the show’s annual live arena tour, promising fans they’d finally get to see the couple do their Show Dance.
READ MORE: AJ Odudu suffers fresh Strictly heartache after brutal final blow
However, on Thursday morning it was announced that AJ would no longer be taking part and instead Kai will dance with Strictly 2020 finalist Maisie Smith on the tour.
Taking to social media to address the situation, Kai wrote: “I’m really gutted to hear that @ajodudu wont be able to join me on the BBC Strictly Tour around the UK.
“I know we were both really focused and willing to get back on the floor in the Arenas and finish what we started.
“I know we will get to dance again very soon and I am sending all my love and well wishes to AJ for a quick recovery.”
Talking about partnering EastEnders actress Maisie, Kai added: “With that, I am also very lucky to say that I get to continue on the tour with my amazing new tour partner @maisiesmithofficial who as you all now SMASHED last years Strictly.
“I cannot wait to see you all on the road and get to dance in front of a live audience once again.”
On joining the tour, Maisie said: "”I’m thrilled to be asked to restart my Strictly journey on this year’s arena tour.
Kai and I will be dancing the Quickstep and the Samba – I can’t wait for rehearsals to start next week.
"It will be a joy to dance with everyone and so great to see my EastEnders friend Rose again. I wish AJ a speedy recovery.”
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