The pop star, who topped the leaderboard on Saturday, says she will rest and hopes to be back on the dancefloor soon, with the BBC confirming she and Kai Widdrington will receive a bye.
Delta Goodrem will miss this week’s Strictly Come Dancing after injuring her rib, the 41-year-old has announced. She and her professional partner, Kai Widdrington, will not take part in Icons Week on Saturday 17 October. The pair topped the leaderboard last weekend with a salsa that scored 33. A BBC spokesperson said doctors had advised her to rest, and that the couple would go through to next week.
Goodrem’s message
In a statement, Goodrem said: “I’m absolutely gutted that a rib injury means I won’t be able to dance on Strictly this week. I’ve been loving every second of this experience, so having to sit this one out is heartbreaking – especially after the high of Saturday night.”
She added: “I cannot tell you how much I love being a part of this magical show. I’m going to focus on resting and recovering, and hopefully I’ll be back on that dancefloor very soon. Thank you so much to everyone for all the love and support. It’s so appreciated. I’ll be cheering everyone on from the sidelines this week! Sending all my love, Delta.”
The BBC’s response
A Strictly spokesperson said: “Due to injury, Delta Goodrem has been advised by doctors to rest and, as a result, will not dance on this weekend’s Strictly Come Dancing. In line with the rules of the show, Delta and Kai will receive a bye through to next week when it is hoped they will be able to dance again. We wish Delta the very best as she continues her recovery.”
The couple will not receive judges’ scores or take part in the public vote this weekend, while the other pairs carry on as normal. The research notes say the show’s rules generally allow one week’s absence for illness or injury, so a second week of being unable to dance could put her place in doubt. Her leaderboard position does not carry forward, and she would need fresh marks from the judges on her return.
The BBC has not confirmed a return date beyond hoping she can dance next week. It has not been confirmed what the injury is, how or when it happened, or whether doctors have cleared her to resume training.
A strong start
Goodrem, who became known as a teenager in the Australian soap Neighbours before success as a singer with hits including Innocent Eyes, is partnered with Widdrington. Their salsa to a mash-up of Incognito’s Always There and Chaka Khan’s Ain’t Nobody scored 33. Motsi Mabuse gave her the first nine of the series. Her three scores so far, 31, 30 and 33, total 94 points, and she has led the leaderboard for two weeks running. After the salsa, head judge Shirley Ballas suggested she had the ability to reach the final.
| Date | Dance | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 26 September | Samba to Baianá | 31/40 |
| 3 October | American Smooth to I’ll Never Love Again | 30/40 |
| 10 October | Salsa to Always There / Ain’t Nobody | 33/40 |
She reportedly rehearsed for up to seven hours a day. She told ITV’s This Morning in August that she had never attempted ballroom and Latin dance before, and she moved to the UK for the autumn to take part.
Results show
On Sunday’s results programme, Goodrem became tearful when footage of her family was shown. She and Widdrington were among the first couples declared safe, before news of her injury emerged. Melanie Walters and Aljaž Škorjanec were eliminated after losing the dance-off to Shaun Wright-Phillips and Alexis Warr. The judges voted 3-1 to save Wright-Phillips.
Support from the Strictly family
Goodrem’s colleagues and fans responded warmly. Professional dancer Nancy Xu said: “We waiting for you back with us, recover soon my beautiful girl.” Fellow professional Lauren Oakley wrote: “Get well soon, can’t wait to have you back.”
One fan said: “Hoping you feel better soon and can be back next week – really love watching you and Kai dance.” Another wrote: “The way my heart DROPPED cuz I thought she was gonna have go retire injured from the entire series!!! We love you delta!!! Wishing for a super speedy recovery for you!!”
Icons Week
The BBC’s programme information lists planned performances for Saturday 17 October, including:
- Dani Dyer: rumba to Hero by Mariah Carey
- Dame Sarah Storey: tango to That Don’t Impress Me Much by Shania Twain
- John Nellis: paso doble to It’s My Life by Bon Jovi
- Will Best: jive to Crocodile Rock by Elton John
- Lawrence Chaney: a routine inspired by Livin’ La Vida Loca by Ricky Martin
Goodrem and Widdrington’s planned Icons Week routine has not been publicly confirmed.
