Emma Willis has said it was obvious that something was amiss with Delta Goodrem before the singer was forced out of Strictly Come Dancing with a rib injury. Appearing on Thursday's It Takes Two, Emma told host Ellie Taylor that the issue became apparent after last week's show.
She said: "It's such a shame. I think it became quite apparent after the show that last week that something wasn't right." Delta and her partner Kai Widdrington topped the leader board with their Salsa, but it emerged that the singer had performed in "absolute agony" and went to hospital on Sunday with a rib injury.
Bye week and recovery hopes
Delta has been given a free pass - or bye - to the next round of the competition, meaning she will miss Icons Week. Emma said the cast and crew are hopeful this will allow her to return fighting fit. She added: "We're just hoping that because she has this bye week, by the week after, she'll be good to get back. Fingers crossed!"
Delta, known for starring in Australian soap Neighbours and hits such as Innocent Eyes, has broken her rib but is following her doctor's order to rest at home. On social media, 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."
Delta's message and replacement dance
She continued: "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.. as well as the wonderful Strictly team!!" She added: "Resting and recovering at home and will be cheering everyone on from my couch on Saturday night xx."
It was revealed that Delta's planned dance to Dolly Parton's Jolene with Kai Widdrington will instead be performed by Amy Dowden. A show spokesperson 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."
Injury details and impact
The spokesperson added: "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 said: "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."
Sources revealed that Delta's rib injury "deteriorated" and she was "in absolute agony" performing. A source said: "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. On Saturday night, despite putting on a brave face and smiling, she was in absolute agony." The source added: "Filming didn’t wrap until late Saturday night and she was exhausted. The plan was to go home and get some rest but she could hardly sleep. On Sunday morning she was raced to A&E and then spent most of Monday also at the hospital."
