Strictly Come Dancing’s AJ Odudu will perform the final show dance that viewers never got to see after an injury forced her to withdraw from the competition.

AJ made it to the final of the dance competition which aired on Saturday (18 December) - but a torn ligament meant she was unable to perform.

Luckily, AJ and her professional dance partner, Kai Widdrington, will be part of the Strictly Come Dancing live UK tour next year.

The tour will give arena audiences a chance to see AJ and Kai’s show dance – performed to Naughty Boy’s 'Runnin’.

Craig Revel Horwood, who directs the tour, said: "I was hugely disappointed that AJ and Kai missed the Strictly final.

“But audiences on the arena tour are in for a big treat, as they will get to see the show dance that AJ and Kai would have performed on Saturday night.

“Plus all the other celebs and pros have some A-MAZ-ING dances planned - it's going to be FAB-U-LOUS!"

Taking to her Instagram account, AJ made a video for her followers explaining why she had been relatively silent since the Strictly final aired.

She said: “I just went off to cry for days… and now I’m back.

“I just feel really happy now because what I’ve realised is, yes, Strictly didn’t end in the way I truly wanted it to end but I am still grateful for the whole experience.

“I just feel grateful that I was part of the series that was the most inclusive and progressive it has ever been.

“I’ve made the best friends and I’ve had the best time. And yes – I am still chatting to Kai.

“I just want to say a massive thank you for your kind messages and well wishes. It’s really got me through these last few days.

“It’s been amazing and truly uplifting”

What is Strictly Come Dancing Live – and when does the tour start?

The 33 scintillating live tour shows will feature Strictly 2021 winners Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice, alongside Sara Davies and Aljaž Skorjanec, AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington, Tilly Ramsay and Nikita Kuzmin, Rhys Stephenson and Nancy Xu, and John Whaite and Johannes Radebe.

They will be joined by 2020 series competitor Max George who will return to the dancefloor for the live tour, dancing with Katya Jones.

The tour could feature an array of highlights from the spectacular series, which are subject to change, including:

Rose & Giovanni: Couples choice; Argentine Tango              

Sara & Aljaž: Quickstep; Foxtrot

Max & Katya: Jive; American smooth

AJ & Kai: American Smooth; Show dance     

Tilly & Nikita: Couples Choice; Waltz

Rhys & Nancy: Charleston; Argentine Tango

John & Johannes: Paso; Show dance

As well as the couples’ dances, fans will have the chance to see some breathtaking group performances throughout the show.

Professional dancers Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Neil Jones, Jake Leigh, Cameron Lombard, Luba Mushtuk and Jowita Przystal will be bringing even more wow to this super-sized dance extravaganza, which features live music from the Strictly singers and band.

The previously announced Live Tour judging panel of Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli; together with new tour host Janette Manrara, make this a sparkling line-up not to be missed.

Tour dates: 

20–23 January              Birmingham Utilita Arena                                  

(Thursday 20th at 7.30pm, Friday 21st at 7.30pm, Saturday 22nd at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 23rd at 1.30pm & 6.30pm)

25-26 January               Leeds First Direct Arena                                      

(Tuesday 25th at 7.30pm, Wednesday 26th at 7.30pm)

27-28 January               Newcastle Utilita Arena                                      

(Thursday 27th at 7.30pm, Friday 28th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)

29-30 January               Manchester AO Arena                                         

(Saturday 29th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 30th at 1.30pm & 6.30pm)

01-02 February             Sheffield Utilita Arena                                         

(Tuesday 1st at 7.30pm, Wednesday 2nd at 7.30pm)

03-04 February             Liverpool M&S Bank Arena                                

(Thursday 3rd at 7.30pm, Friday 4th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)

05-07 February             Glasgow The OVO Hydro                                                  

(Saturday 5th at 3.00pm & 8.00pm, Sunday 6th at 1.30pm & 6.30pm, Monday 7th at 7.30pm)

09-10 February             Nottingham Motorpoint Arena                        

(Wednesday 9th at 7.30pm, Thursday 10th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)

11-13 February             London The O2 Arena                                                        

(Friday 11th at 7.30pm, Saturday 12th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 13th at 1.30pm & 6.30pm)

Tickets: £35 - £95 (price bands vary at each venue) 

All ticket prices are subject to a booking fee and may be subject to a venue facility fee

For more information and to book tickets, visit: www.strictlycomedancinglive.com