Delta Goodrem's future on Strictly Come Dancing has been thrown into doubt after it emerged she has broken a rib. The Australian singer, 41, had already confirmed she would miss this weekend's Icons Week after hurting her rib, but the new development has sparked fears she may have to withdraw from the competition completely.
Top of the leaderboard
Last weekend, Goodrem wowed judges and viewers with her Samba routine with professional partner Kai Widdrington, earning a score of 33 and topping the leaderboard. She was due to perform an Olivia Newton-John-inspired routine during Icons Week on October 17.
However, speaking on ITV's Lorraine, Vogue Williams said: "The new development, she actually has a broken rib. That's so painful, but she was dancing with that (last Saturday), she's such an incredible dancer, she topped the leaderboard with 33 points with Kai doing that Salsa."
One-week pass rule
Williams explained that celebrities get a one-week pass when they are injured. She added: "So, by next Monday, they have to make a decision on whether or not she's able to dance. If she can't dance by next Monday, then she's out of the competition. She might be able to pull through, but a rib injury is quite a tough one because of all the moves that they're doing."
With Goodrem's slot left open, BBC viewers can expect to see Kai dance with professional partner Amy Dowden, whose celebrity partner was the first to be eliminated from the show, in a routine inspired by the late Dolly Parton.
'Gutted' star
Goodrem confirmed on October 12 in a statement that she would not be performing on the live show. She wrote: "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 out is heartbreaking- especially after the height of Saturday night.
"I can not 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 xx."
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday October 17 on BBC One from 6:15pm.
