AJ’S mum fled for life in hellish war
THE mum of TV host AJ Odudu has told of her upbringing in wartorn Nigeria – and how she had to flee her home in the night for safety.
Florence, 66, clutched her little brother’s hand as their mother carried their meagre belongings.
They trudged miles from Sapele, in the Delta State, to the relative safety of Jesse Town.
She says: “It was a very hard time and it still hurts what me and my country went through.”
More than a million died in the Nigerian government’s war with the Republic of Biafra, which had declared independence, from 1967-70. Haunting images of starving Biafran children were beamed around the world.
Florence left for Britain in the 1970s, aged 18, and after an arranged marriage she had eight children with James, her husband of 40 years. Times were hard but the family was happy – as snaps from their album reveal.
Florence took on multiple cleaning jobs to make ends meet and instilled a work ethic which has paid dividends for AJ, 33, one of the favourites to win Strictly this year. In 2018 Channel 4 documentary Manhunting With
My Mum, AJ – accompanied by Florence – went to Nigeria in the hope of finding a partner.
Florence says: “I was glad for my children to see where I come from. When they were younger they complained I said, ‘Work hard, work hard, work hard’. They would say, ‘Oh Mum, I’m trying my best’.
“I think now that AJ saw my old life she appreciates me more, she now knows why I pushed her and her brothers and sisters.”
Florence admits she would have loved to send AJ for dance lessons as a child but could not afford it.
Now, seeing her girl on TV is a huge thrill. She adds: “Watching AJ is incredible, it’s like I’ve won the lottery. I am so proud of her.
“I’ve been twice to watch the Strictly tour at Manchester Arena and I love it. But now I get to watch it live in the studio and to be so close is wonderful.”
AJ, meanwhile, danced the Charleston last night with Strictly partner Kai Widdrington, 26.
She hasn’t dismissed rumours of romance but says: “Genuinely, me and Kai get on so well.
“It’s brilliant for people to see how much fun we are having.
“At the end of the day, me and Kai are focused on the Strictly experience. One thing is for sure – we are doing a lot of dancing.”