Strictly Come Dancing presenter Emma Willis has revealed the one moment during live shows that she does not enjoy, and has shared her reaction to Delta Goodrem's withdrawal from this weekend's Icons Week following a rib injury.
Speaking on Thursday's It Takes Two (October 15), Willis told host Ellie Taylor: "It's such a shame, I think it became quite apparent after the show last week that something wasn't right." She added: "But we're hoping, because she has this by-week this week, by the week after she'll be good to get back, fingers crossed."
BBC confirms Delta Goodrem's withdrawal
The BBC confirmed earlier this week: "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 shared in her own message that she was "gutted", stating: "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."
Emma on the cast and her presenting role
Willis also discussed how harmoniously the cast have been interacting, noting: "They're all so lovely! And then you think, when I see them they're frantic. They're either having lunch, like the one minute they get to stop is to eat and then we'll catch up in the dining hall and have a little chat. But then they're either doing rehearsals and maybe things aren't going right and they need to finesse something or it's going brilliantly and they're super excited, and then we see them on the show when it's absolute panic."
Discussing her new role as presenter, she explained: "Josh [Widdicombe] and I sit right at the back where no one can see us in view on the telly and we watch everything, we watch the audience, we watch how the judges react, we watch the dance as well, and everything we do is what we've just observed. We take it in the moment. If it's gone really well and they're super excited, we react to that. If it hasn't gone quite so well, we'll react to that. Normally, they can't breathe or speak, so we just go, 'Hey, let's turn to the judges!'"
The moment Emma dislikes
Willis proceeded to discuss the single aspect during the live programmes that she finds challenging, particularly when announcing the dance-off results. She remarked: "I've only done two and I really don't enjoy it. I love my job and I love being a part of it but I just feel so sorry for them, we do see how much work they put into it and how much they love doing it and how painful their bodies are by doing it and you don't want to be the one to say, 'Thank you so much, bye!'"
Delta later posted an update following her rib injury, sharing a photograph of herself recuperating on the sofa, encircled by flowers while resting beneath a blanket. 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.. aswell as the wonderful Strictly team! ! Resting and recovering at home and will be cheering everyone on from my couch on Saturday night xx."
Audiences flooded the comments section to express their encouragement, with one individual posting: "Sending so much love D! We are all behind you." Fellow Strictly star John Nellis remarked: "See you soon," while another supporter noted: "Sending love." A further admirer contributed: "Awww Queen D! You are truly a warrior and will bounce back from this! Keep that smile and now that we are all behind you sending you the love." Yet another posted: "I hope that you feel well very very soon, Queen. You are a perfect dancer. Let's go!" Someone else stated: "Rest up warrior, hold on and be strong, here's to a speedy recovery, big love." Another devotee observed: "Sending you soooo much love I hope you heal quickly and are taking very good care of yourself xxx."
Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two airs weeknights from 6.30pm on BBC Two and iPlayer.
