Strictly’s AJ Odudu breaks down in tears after ‘dance floor disaster’ in quarter-final

Strictly Come Dancing returned for the quarter-final on BBC One and the couples were determined to give it their all on the dancefloor. AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington, who have been top performers throughout the competition, took on the Salsa to Rhythm Is Gonna Get You by Gloria Estefan. AJ broke down in tears after a mistake at the end of their routine, with partner Kai saying his hand slipped. 

Craig Revel Horwood called it a “dancing disaster”, saying it was “flat-footed”.

Following the performance, she spoke to Claudia Winkleman and broke down in tears, saying: “I’m gutted because we worked so hard this week, I don’t want to get emotional. 

“I just hope you don’t feel like I have let you down, I’m so sorry.”

Whilst she was sobbing, Claudia said: “Oh sweetheart, you haven’t let anybody down,” before showing her a message from her sister. 

READ MORE: Rose Ayling-Ellis leaves Strictly viewers in tears with Giovanni

“You stood up there and I looked at Shirley and we were like…goosebumps. The ending came, we shall forget it, but all in all it was such a powerful Latin dance for you.”

Viewers took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the dance, with Julia saying: “AJ outdances everyone on the show and yet receives the harshest critiques and marks. 

“She is not a pro ffs. Make it make sense.”

Shirleigh said: “Me giving all my votes to AJ and Kai because despite the mistake, she was better than Dan and doesn’t deserve to go home. #Strictly.”

As for who is predicted to miss out on a spot in the semi-final tomorrow night, the bookies have suggested Dan Walker or Rhys Stephenson could be next to go.

Ladbrokes said BBC Breakfast host Dan has odds of 8/11 to get the boot in the dance-off.

Meanwhile EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis remains the favourite to win the series, with odds of 1/5.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Dan has got to know this position in the betting all too well over the last four weeks, yet he’s made something of a habit of defying the odds up to this point.

“While Rhys has survived a staggering three dance-offs already this series. Punters are convinced the latter will be sent packing, while the odds suggest Dan’s time is up… we’d be surprised to see anyone else in the bottom two this weekend.”

Rose found herself in the middle of the leaderboard last week, whereas AJ Odudu and John Whaite found themselves in a strong position.

This being said, the leaderboard could be switched on its head as the public vote makes up for half of the final result.

Rhys and Dan could face the dance-off on Sunday, but it is ultimately down to the public to decide.

Strictly Come Dancing returns on Sunday on BBC One at 7.20pm.