Delta Goodrem has shared an update with fans after a rib injury forced her to pull out of this weekend's Strictly Come Dancing live show. The Australian singer and actress, 41, revealed she would miss Saturday night's performance due to the painful injury.
Delta and her professional dance partner Kai Widdrington have topped the judges' leaderboard for the past two weeks on the BBC competition, scoring 33 most recently in a salsa dance. However, taking to social media today, the Strictly star shared a picture of herself resting on the sofa as she commented on her upcoming absence.
Thank you to fans
'Just wanted to come on here and say a big thank you to everyone who has sent messages and wrote lovely comments the last couple of days, I see them all,' she wrote on Instagram.
'Not the start to the week I'd hoped for but your support has meant the world.' Delta went on to say a big thank you to her partner Kai, before adding that she will 'miss dancing with this weekend but I am so beyond grateful for his guidance and friendship through it all'.
Resting and recovering at home
The 41-year-old continued: 'Resting and recovering at home and will be cheering everyone on from my couch on Saturday night.'
The update follows a statement Delta released on Monday, in which she admitted she was 'absolutely gutted' to be sitting out the next live show. '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 said. 'I cannot tell you how much I love being a part of this magical show.'
Bye through to next week
A Strictly Come Dancing spokesperson confirmed that Delta and Kai would receive a bye through to next week, in line with the competition's rules. '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,' they said.
'We wish Delta the very best as she continues her recovery.' The spokesperson added that it was hoped Delta would be well enough to return to the dancefloor the following week. However, it is not yet clear how long Delta will take to recover from her rib injury.
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday, October 17 on BBC One.
