Strictly Come Dancing fans have voiced fears that Delta Goodrem may have to withdraw from the series after it was announced she will miss the next live show due to a rib injury.
The singer, partnered with Kai Widdrington, will not dance on Saturday's Icons Week after doctors advised her to rest. It Takes Two host Ellie Taylor read a BBC statement on Monday's show confirming the news.
The statement 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."
Delta 'gutted' to miss live show
Delta also released a statement saying she was "gutted" and "absolutely gutted that a rib injury means I won't be able to dance on Strictly this week". She added: "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."
She continued: "I cannot 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 dancefloor 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."
Fans share fears on social media
After the news, fans took to social media to share their concerns that Delta might have to quit the competition. One person wrote on Reddit: "NOOOOOO!! SHE BETTER NOT WITHDRAW!" Another replied: "Please no, I finally get my fav celeb to do the show so hopefully it doesn't end like that."
Someone else added: "I'm hoping that too. It's usually the case that they leave and I hope that's not the case here." Another said: "Rib injuries are no joke. I hope she is able to come back but jeez she must be in a lot of discomfort."
Another fan wrote: "Ugh this is so devastating! My favourite dancer. I hope this is not a soft launch to her withdrawing she also literally postponed her album launch to Feb because of strictly. Manifesting." Yet another said: "I hope she comes back to the competition and doesn't have to withdraw. Her dances are one of the highlights of each show!"
Comparisons to Dani Dyer's exit
Some fans referenced last year's series, when Love Island star Dani Dyer was forced to pull out after a leg injury in the early weeks of training, before returning a year later. One person said: "Hopefully she'll be okay, depends on how bad the rib injury is, praying she won't have to permanently withdraw as she's definitely a contender for the final."
Another added: "Really hope she doesn't withdraw, we'll go down to a 3-person final twice in a row and also lose one of the better dancers which means people might find the show less entertaining."
So far, celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton with his partner Amy Dowden, and Gavin and Stacey actress Melanie Walters with her partner Aljaz Skorjanec have been eliminated from the competition. Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday at 6.15pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
