Strictly 2021: Six memorable moments ahead of the finale

Rose Ayling-Ellis and her pro partner Giovanni Pernice

The Strictly Come Dancing finale is taking place, but only two couples are competing after TV presenter AJ Odudu left the show due to an injury.

EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis and TV chef John Whaite are performing three dances each in Saturday’s finale.

Odudu was also due to compete, but had to drop out of the show on Friday after tearing a ligament in her right ankle.

The finale, hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, is currently being broadcast live on BBC One.

This year’s result will be ground-breaking for Strictly – a victory for Ayling-Ellis would make her the first deaf winner of the show.

A win for Whaite and his partner Johannes Radebe, meanwhile, would mark the show’s first victory for a same-sex couple.

Speaking on Friday, Odudu said she was “deeply upset” that she was unable to take her place in the final with pro partner Kai Widdrington.

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