Entertainment
Strictly Come Dancing: AJ Odudu says it’s ‘always better to stumble’ after lift mistake during dance
AJ Odudu felt awful after making small mistakes in her dance with Kai (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)
Strictly Come Dancing star AJ Odudu has spoken out after making a mistake during her performance with Kai Widdrington last night.
The TV presenter broke down in tears after completing a complex Salsa routine to Rhythm Is Gonna Get You/Get On Your Feet by Gloria Estefan, where she suffered small stumbles including during a lift move with Kai.
After sleeping off her initial disappointment, AJ, 33, shared a video of her performance on Sunday morning and told her Instagram followers: ‘Last night, I accidentally tied myself in a knot around Kai’s neck, live, on national telly! 🙈
‘But my mum reminded me that it’s always better to stumble while shooting for the stars than to land safely in your comfort zone. I’m grateful for a routine that challenged me and loved last night.💫✨💫.’
She was supported in the comments, with Giovanna Fletcher posting: ‘Your mum is the wisest!!!!! You were incredible. Xxxx.’
Helen Skelton wrote: ‘You woman are nothing short of sensational in every way!!!🙌🙌.’
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Alice Liveing said: ‘You were incredible my love. Falling down is what teaches up to get back up stronger 💪🏻❤️.’
Speaking to Claudia Winkleman after the dance, AJ got tearful and said: ‘I’m so gutted because we’ve worked so hard this week.’
She added: ‘Everyone at home, I hope you feel like I’ve not let you down, i’m so sorry.’
Claudia assured her that she hasn’t let anyone down, with fans at home echoing the sentiment.
Meanwhile, she still received a very respectable score – two sevens and two eights – from the judges.
Despite being an absolutely incredible dancer, AJ has had some close calls in the results show.
More: Strictly Come Dancing
The TV star admitted at the time that she fully expected to be in the bottom two, even going so far as to rehearse the moves of the choreography in her head in preparation.
When asked how she felt when she found out she had been saved she said: ‘I couldn’t believe it. I was moved, I was moved. I had a little cry after and everything because you know, like you said, I was ready to dance again,’ she said.
Strictly Come Dancing returns tonight at 7:20pm on BBC One.
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