Strictly Come Dancing host Emma Willis has said it "became quite apparent" after last week's live show that something wasn't right with Delta Goodrem, before the singer was ruled out of the upcoming episode due to injury.
The singer and actress had been impressing in the ballroom, with her and professional partner Kai Widdrington topping the leaderboard for a second week after scoring 33 for their salsa during last Saturday's (October 10) episode of the BBC One dance show.
It was confirmed during Sunday's (October 11) results that Delta and Kai were among the 13 couples to make it through to week four, which would become this year's Icons Week.
Delta's Injury Announcement
While it was expected that Delta would pay tribute to her fellow Australian, the late Olivia Newton-John, it was confirmed at the start of the week that an injury had prompted doctors to advise her to rest.
Delta said in a statement, released on Monday (October 12): "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. I cannot tell you how much I love being a part of this magical show."
It was said at the time that she would now focus on rest and recovery and hopes to "be back on that dancefloor very soon". Delta thanked people for "all the love and support", adding: "I'll be cheering everyone on from the sidelines this week!"
Emma Willis's Update
A Strictly spokesperson also explained the situation in a statement which 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."
Host Emma has since shared an update, as she appeared on It Takes Two, without her co-hosts Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, on Thursday (October 15). Asked about Delta, she said: "It's such a shame. I think it became quite apparent after the show last week that something wasn't right. 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."
Delta's Recovery and Emma's New Role
Earlier this week, Delta told her online followers that she will "miss dancing", adding: "I will be cheering everyone on from my couch on Saturday night."
The 41-year-old shared a picture of herself resting on her sofa and said: "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."
Addressing her dance partner, she continued: "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." She also thanked "the wonderful Strictly team", adding: "Resting and recovering at home and will be cheering everyone on from my couch on Saturday night."
Meanwhile, Emma was also asked about how she is finding her new gig, having now spent a few weeks at the helm of Strictly alongside Josh and Johannes, after they replaced Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the helm of the popular programme.
"Josh 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," she divulged.
"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!'"
