AJ Odudu Says Relationship Rumours With Strictly Partner Kai Have Killed Chances Of Finding Romance

The Strictly Come Dancing pair's chemistry has sparked plenty of speculation they could be more than just dance partners.
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Kai Widdrington and AJ Odudu
Ray Burmiston/BBC via PA Media

AJ Odudu has admitted that appearing on Strictly Come Dancing has killed her chances of romance. 

The TV presenter and her dance partner Kai Widdrington have been at the centre of rumours that they are dating throughout the series, and they pair have stunned viewers with their chemistry on the dance floor. 

As a result, AJ has told The Sun that she hasn’t been getting many offers from potential suitors. 

“Oh my gosh, my direct messages are dry,” she said. “I’ve not had one direct message from a potential suitor, that is not happening.”

Asked why she thinks any man who might be interested hasn’t messaged, AJ joked: “He’s witnessed me wrap my legs around Kai every single week!”

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AJ and Kai's routines have sparked speculation they are dating
Keiron McCarron/BBC via PA Media

Neither AJ or Kai have confirmed or denied reports that romance has blossomed between them since they were paired up for the show back in September. 

However, AJ once again showered her partner in praise during her latest interview, claiming that he’s “going to be in my life forever”.

She said: “We just have the best time. He’s a family man, he’s someone who takes care of his family, his friends. He’s a real gentleman. He really, really is.

“And I think that’s what’s beautiful about him as well. I feel like we share the same ethics, in the same way that I’m speaking to my mum before the show, he’s got his mum and dad on FaceTime and his grandad before the show, his brother. I kind of feel part of his family.”

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The pair have performed a number of romantic routines
Guy Levy/BBC via PA Media

AJ previously said she found it “exciting” that people were interested in her and Kai enough to “take note of all of these things”.

“The way I see it is, everyone can see how well we’re getting on and how hard we’re working in order to try our best each and every week to put in a solid performance.”

After being asked outright whether there was any truth to the rumours, she responded: “Well, one thing that is definitely for sure is, we are doing a lot of dancing.”

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday at 7.05pm on BBC One. 

'Strictly Come Dancing': All The Winners
Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole(01 of16)
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Newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky was the first star to ever triumph in the inaugural series of 'Strictly Come Dancing', back in 2004, when there were just seven competitors to beat.Having obviously been a hit with 'Strictly' viewers, she was later chosen to cover for regular presenter Tess Daly, when she went on maternity leave. (credit:BBC)
Jill Halfpenny and Darren Bennet(02 of16)
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Clearly sensing they were onto a winner, the BBC decided to kick-start the second series of 'Strictly' just three months after Natasha Kaplinsky's victory, securing its spot in the Saturday night schedule in the latter half of the year.Jill Halfpenny was crowned winner second time around, along with her partner, Darren Bennet. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Darren Gough and Lilia Kopylova(03 of16)
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Darren became the first male celebrity to triumph in the 'Strictly Come Dancing' final in 2005, beating Colin Jackson and eventual 'It Takes Two' presenter Zoe Ball in the process. (credit:Michael Boyd/PA Archive)
Mark Ramprakash and Karen Hardy(04 of16)
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Cricket player Mark Ramprakash took home the glitter-ball trophy a year later.Here he is performing with his professional partner, Karen Hardy, at the BBC Sports Personality Of The Year Awards a year after his victory. (credit:David Davies/PA Archive)
Alesha Dixon and Matthew Cutler(05 of16)
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'Strictly' helped breathe new life into Alesha's career, when she and partner Matthew Cutler were crowned winners.Her smash hit solo single 'The Boy Does Nothing' followed soon after, not to mention a spot on the 'Strictly' judging panel... until Simon Cowell decided to snare her for 'BGT', that is. (credit:BBC)
Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup(06 of16)
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'Holby City' actor Tom Chambers' public profile skyrocketed, when he and his professional partner, Camilla Dallerup, were crowned winners of the sixth series.They beat TV presenter Lisa Snowdon and 'Negotiate With Love' singer Rachel Stevens in the live final, back in 2008. (credit:Mark Cuthbert via Getty Images)
Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan(07 of16)
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Chris Hollins gave professional dancer Ola Jordan her first, and so far only, win back in 2010. (credit:BBC)
Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev(08 of16)
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Kara and Artem had a double victory in 2010.Shortly after taking home the glitter-ball trophy, they announced that they were dating. (credit:Rowan Miles/PA Archive)
Harry Judd and Aliona Vilani(09 of16)
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Can we please just take a moment to appreciate this photo? (credit:David Jones/PA Archive)
Louis Smith and Flavia Cacace(10 of16)
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The tenth series was won by Olympian Louis Smith and his professional partner, Flavia Cacace. (credit:Georgie Gillard/Associated Newspapers/REX)
Abbey Clancy and Aljaž Skorjanec(11 of16)
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In the first ever all-female 'Strictly' final, Abbey beat Susanna Reid and Natalie Gumede to the glitter-ball trophy.Fourth place was also a female contestant, with Sophie Ellis-Bextor leaving the competition at the semi-final stage. (credit:Rui Vieira/PA Archive)
Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev(12 of16)
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Caroline Flack, who took part in the competition less than a year after leaving 'X Factor' spin-off show, 'Xtra Factor'. Apparently sensing her popularity was on the rise, Simon Cowell quickly signed her up to host the main show, alongside Olly Murs. (credit:BBC)
Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani(13 of16)
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When the 2015 contestants were first announced, no one would have tipped Jay for victory, particularly after he continuously played down his dancing abilities.

Cut to a couple of months later, though, and that Glitter-ball trophy was his.
(credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
Ore Oduba and Joanne Clifton(14 of16)
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TV presenter Ore Oduba beat off stiff competition from 'Hollyoaks' star Danny Mac who was hot favourite to lift the glitterball trophy in 2016. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Joe McFadden and Katya Jones(15 of16)
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'Holby City' actor Joe was the dark horse of the competition, rising through the ranks as the weeks went on to triumph over Alexandra Burke, Debbie McGee and Gemma Atkinson in the 2017 final. (credit:PA Wire/PA Images)
Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton(16 of16)
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Stacey and Kevin were the surprise winners of the 2018 series, triumphing over other finalists Ashley Roberts, Faye Tozer and Joe Sugg. The pair later went on to begin a relationship. (credit:Aaron Chown - PA Images via Getty Images)