Strictly Come Dancing star Delta Goodrem pulls out of Icons Week due to injury: 'I'm absolutely gutted'
She topped the leaderboard last week!Strictly Come Dancing star Delta Goodrem will miss this Saturday’s (Oct 17) live show after suffering a rib injury.
The news was announced on Monday’s (Oct 12) It Takes Two, where Ellie Taylor read statements from Delta and the programme. A Strictly spokesperson confirmed that doctors had advised the singer to rest.
For Delta, the timing makes the setback particularly difficult. Her message described the disappointment of sitting out after enjoying Saturday night’s performance.
“I’m absolutely gutted that a rib injury means I won’t be able to dance on Strictly this week,” she said.
“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,” the Lost Without You hitmaker continued.
“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.”
Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington receive a Strictly bye
Delta and her professional partner, Kai Widdrington, will go straight through to the following week. The spokesperson said the bye was being granted under the show’s rules.
That means the pair remain in the competition despite being unable to perform this weekend.
However, their next appearance is not yet guaranteed. The programme said it hoped they would be able to dance again next week. It also wished Delta well as she recovers.
This Saturday will be Icons Week.
Delta Goodrem’s injury follows Strictly leaderboard success
Only days earlier, Delta and Kai had topped the leaderboard with their salsa with a score of 33. The Australian singer, 41, now faces an enforced pause after that successful Saturday night.
The Sun reported that Delta had been training for up to seven hours a day. The announcement did not specify how she sustained the rib injury.
Before the first live vote, Delta had told The Sun she felt far from safe. Despite her experience performing on stages around the world, she was unsure what to expect from the competition.
Speaking about whether viewers would back her, she said: “I have no expectations. I hope people will vote, but I have no idea.”
Delta focuses on recovery
For now, Delta said she would concentrate on rest and recovery. She hopes to return to the dancefloor soon.
Her message also thanked those who had sent love and support.
“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!”
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday, October 24, on BBC One from 6.15pm.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI technology to synthesise source reporting and structured data. It has been reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by our human editorial team before publication.
