DAN Walker may return to Strictly Come Dancing as AJ Odudu has been forced to pull out of Saturday's final after tearing a ligament in her right ankle.

AJ was seen using crutches earlier this week and has confirmed she will not be competing for the glitterball trophy with dance partner Kai Widdrington.

The TV presenter said she was "deeply upset that I am unable to perform".

Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice and John Whaite and Johannes Radebe remain the only two couples left in the BBC show.

Following the unexpected departure of AJ and Kai, rumours are now circulating that a previous contestant may be offered a spot in the final.

BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker previously said his body had “given up” following his exit from the show.

He and his professional partner Nadiya Bychkova missed out on a spot in the semi-final after losing the dance-off to AJ and Kai earlier this month.

The 44-year-old, who grew up in Crawley, said he loved every second of the Strictly experience but “need a rest now”.

“My body’s given up,” he said. “It lasted eight weeks – a lot longer than I thought it would – but it’s been great.”

In a statement released on Friday, AJ said: "Strictly Come Dancing has been a lifelong dream and I'm glad it came true. Good luck to my partners in dance, John and Johannes and Rose and Giovanni. I will be cheering you on (on one leg).”

AJ, best known for presenting Big Brother spin-off Bit on the Side and the Channel 4 reality show Married at First Sight: Afters, had previously said she first felt the injury on Monday.

Kai said she had been "the absolute best partner I could ever have asked for in my first year on the show".

He added: "I've been absolutely honoured to get to dance with the incredible AJ Odudu for the last few months and although neither of us wanted our journey to end this way, AJ's health and safety are by far the most important things."

Strictly's executive producer Sarah James said: "Although this is not how we would have wanted her Strictly journey to end, AJ's health and wellbeing come first, and everyone involved in the show sends her all our love and wish her a speedy recovery."

Whichever remaining couple wins Saturday's final, history will be made.

EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis could become the first deaf contestant to triumph in the BBC One dance show, while former Great British Bake Off champion John Whaite and Johannes Radebe would be the first same-sex champions.