Delta Goodrem has been dealt a fresh blow after it was revealed that an injury has landed her in hospital, forcing the superstar to miss Strictly Come Dancing's upcoming live show. The performer, who was scheduled to embody Olivia Newton-John as her Icon this coming weekend (Saturday 17), has been forced to withdraw from the programme.
Hospital dash and training injury
This comes after the 41-year-old was rushed to the hospital twice, as insiders have now revealed that Delta hurt herself during training for a couple's Salsa to Always There/Ain't Nobody by Jocelyn Brown/Chaka Khan, with her partner Kai Widdrington.
"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," a source told The Sun.
Former pro's warning
Although the Australian native topped the week three leaderboard with 33 points, one professional is certain that Delta will have to work harder than the other contestants in the coming weeks. Former pro, Vincent Simone, who danced on Strictly between 2006 and 2012, told the Daily Express that after an impressive first few weeks, Delta could peak too soon.
Vincent shared: "Well, we've had it in the past as well. There's been people like herself; they're just super talented and so gorgeous to look at. She's got the hardest job because, you know what they say, once you're on top, the only way you can go is down."
Speaking via Paddy Power Games, he continued: "She needs to probably work harder than anybody else because she needs to stay up there."
"The only thing about people like Delta that we've seen in the past is that if one day she ends up in the middle of the leaderboard, there's a big chance she will end up in the bottom two because people expect that she will not be in the bottom two because she's so good.
"But we've seen in the past that people at that level can end up in the bottom two. Therefore, they will eliminate the other couple who are probably in the process of improving, and it would be such a shame because her bar is already so high."
The Italian dancer suggested: "She's a little bit too good too soon, so I wouldn't want to be up against her, if you know what I mean, because I know I'll be going home. That is the only downfall about having someone of that calibre.
He added: "If she stays at the top, she'll be saved every week. But if she ends up in the bottom two, it would be a shame for the other couple because they won't have any chance against her. I don't think anybody has."
Delta's statement
In a statement posted on Strictly's official Instagram, Delta said: "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 dance floor 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."
