Delta Goodrem will not perform on Strictly Come Dancing this weekend after sustaining a rib injury. The Eurovision singer, partnered with Kai Widdrington, is expected to return next weekend, a BBC spokesperson has confirmed.
BBC confirms bye for Delta and Kai
The spokesperson stated: "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."
Delta's statement on her recovery
Delta said in a statement: "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."
She continued: "It's so appreciated. I'll be cheering everyone on from the sidelines this week! Sending all my love, Delta xx."
Amy Dowden returns for Icons Week
While Delta will not dance with Kai this weekend, fans will see Amy Dowden return to the dance floor. The BBC has confirmed that the Welsh dancer, who became the first to exit the 2026 series, will return on Sunday to perform Dolly Parton's Jolene alongside Kai.
The announcement was made on ITV's Lorraine this week when presenter Lorraine Kelly discussed the latest showbiz developments with Vogue Williams.
According to Vogue, Delta had already been performing with the injury when she and Kai secured top spot on the leaderboard with their salsa, achieving 33 points.
Strictly rules on injury
When questioned whether Delta could continue in the competition, Vogue explained that Strictly's regulations permit an injured participant to miss one week.
She said a decision would need to be made by the subsequent Monday regarding Delta's fitness to perform. Should she be unable to return by that point, Vogue said, she would be required to withdraw from the contest.
Lorraine also enquired about Kai's partner on Sunday's show, with Vogue disclosing that Amy Dowden would be stepping in and welcoming the professional dancer's comeback.
"She's going to be dancing with Kai, and supposedly to Dolly Parton's Jolene. I mean, that's going to be so good," she confirmed.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturday at 6.15pm.
