Delta Goodrem has spoken out from her sick bed after being forced to skip this week's Strictly Come Dancing. The singer has broken her rib and is hoping to recover in time for next week, following her doctor's order to rest at home.
Delta's message to fans
Taking to social media, she wrote: "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."
"Not the start to the week I’d hoped for but your support has meant the world. Also special big thank you to my amazing dance partner @kaiwidd who I will miss dancing with this weekend but I am so beyond grateful for his guidance and friendship through it all.. as well as the wonderful Strictly team!!"
She added: "Resting and recovering at home and will be cheering everyone on from my couch on Saturday night xx."
Replacement and show statement
It was revealed today that Delta's planned dance to Dolly Parton's Jolene with Kai Widdrington will be performed instead by Amy Dowden. A spokesperson for the show 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."
Delta's reaction and injury details
Delta had previously said she was "absolutely gutted" to be out of the show for the week, and hoped she'd be back the following week. She added: "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."
"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!"
Sources revealed that Delta's rib injury "deteriorated" and she was "in absolute agony" performing. She was later rushed to hospital to undergo tests but is now resting at home. A source said: "Delta has been pushing herself as far as possible to impress Strictly viewers. A small injury at the start of last week has quickly deteriorated. On Saturday night, despite putting on a brave face and smiling, she was in absolute agony."
"Filming didn’t wrap until late Saturday night and she was exhausted. The plan was to go home and get some rest but she could hardly sleep. On Sunday morning she was raced to A&E and then spent most of Monday also at the hospital."
