Delta Goodrem has been forced to pull out of this weekend's Strictly Come Dancing after suffering a rib injury, leaving her place in the competition hanging in the balance.
Injury forces Delta to miss Icon's Week
The singer, 41, has been flying high at the top of the leaderboard with her show-stopping routines alongside her professional partner Kai Widdrington. However, she suffered a huge blow this week following a rib injury which has forced her to miss Icon's Week.
Delta admitted she was "gutted" to be missing Saturday's show as the amateur dancer has been dealt a fresh blow. The former Neighbours star's place in the competition now hangs in the balance following her injury.
Bye confirmed under show rules
A Strictly spokesperson said: "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."
Although Delta and Kai will automatically go through to the next round if she recovers from her injury, the latest odds have seen a drop in her potential of lifting the Glitterball Trophy, with injured Delta being pushed from 6/1 to 8/1.
Odds shift for other contestants
Meanwhile, Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey and ex-footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips have been dealt a huge blow. Sarah has had her odds slashed into 5/4 joint-favourite alongside Shaun Wright-Phillips to be eliminated from Strictly this week. Actress Jaime Winstone is next in line for the chop at 9/1, drifting out from 8/1.
EastEnders' Lacey Turner continues to be the frontrunner to win this year's Glitterball Trophy at 6/4, after being clipped from 13/8, with Winter Olympian Tabby Stoecker coming into 5/1 second favourite from 7/1.
Betfred's Robert Ford said: "With Chris Appleton and Melanie Walters already departing the show, Paralympian Sarah Storey has suffered a huge blow and had her odds slashed into 5/4 (from 2/1) joint-favourite alongside ex-footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips to be the next contestant eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing.
"Wright Phillips has been pushed out to his new price from 5/6 odds-on, whilst actress Jaime Winstone is next in line for the chop at 9/1, drifting out from 8/1.
"Eastender's Lacey Turner continues to lead the way as frontrunner to win the show at 6/4, whilst Winter Olympian Tabby Stoecker has been clipped into 5/1 from 7/1 to claim this year's Glitterball Trophy.
"Injured Delta Goodrem has been pushed out from 6/1 to 8/1, alongside Dani Dyer, and has been overtaken by content creator John Nellis in the market who's come into 7/1 third favourite from 8s."
Delta vows to return
Doctors have advised the Australian singer-songwriter to rest and focus on healing. "I'm absolutely gutted that a rib injury means I won't be able to dance on Strictly this week," said Delta in a statement.
"I've been loving every second of this experience, so having to sit this one out is heart-breaking - especially after the high of Saturday night." She said she hopes to "be back on that dancefloor very soon", adding that she'll be cheering on everyone who is performing this Saturday.
