Strictly Come Dancing fans fear Delta Goodrem may be forced to quit the series after a rib injury ruled her out of this weekend's live show. The Australian singer will not dance during Icons Week on Saturday, 17 October, after doctors advised her to rest.
It Takes Two presenter Ellie Taylor read out a BBC statement on Monday's episode confirming Delta's absence. 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."
Bye through to next week
In line with show rules, Delta and her professional partner Kai Widdrington will receive a bye through to the following week, when it is hoped she will be able to dance again. The BBC statement added: "We wish Delta the very best as she continues her recovery."
Delta expressed her disappointment in her own statement, saying: "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."
Fans react on social media
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 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."
Following the announcement, fans voiced concerns online that Delta might have to bow out. One person posted on Reddit: "NOOOOOO! ! SHE BETTER NOT WITHDRAW!" Another responded: "Please no, I finally get my fav celeb to do the show so hopefully it doesn't end like that."
Another added: "I'm hoping that too It's usually the case that they leave and I hope that's not the case here." One fan commented: "Rib injuries are no joke. I hope she is able to come back but jeez she must be in a lot of discomfort."
Recovery hopes
One more said: "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." Another wrote: "I hope she comes back to the competition and doesn't have to withdraw. Her dances are one of the highlights of each show!"
Someone else added: "Oh no! I hope this isn't anything too serious that a week off won't fix. She has consistently been one of the best dancers this season. I'd hate to see her have to withdraw. Strictly is a gruelling show though. Better to prioritize her health than to push herself too far."
Another person added: "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." Someone else shared: "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."
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday at 6.15pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
