Strictly Come Dancing professional Kai Widdrington has issued a fresh update on his celebrity partner Delta Goodrem after the Australian star was forced to sit out of this weekend's Icons Week due to a rib injury.
The BBC announced earlier this week: "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 then shared 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."
Kai's update on Delta
Kai appeared on the Strictly spin-off It Takes Two on Friday (October 16), sitting on the sofa alongside Dani Dyer and Dame Sarah Storey. Host Ellie Taylor began: "Let's start with the serious bit. Kai, you're here in lieu of Delta being here, because she's got a poorly rib. Gutting for both of you, I'm sure."
Kai replied: "Yes, gutting, gutting. I'm here representing team Delta Kai. I've been sent, as Delta would say, Captain Kai. I'm off on my duties representing the team." He then issued an update on Delta, saying: "I spoke to her today, I've been speaking to her all week, and she's in really good spirits... Even when she's injured, she's still looking fabulous."
Plans for next week
Delta and Kai would have been paying tribute to Olivia Newton-John during Icons Week. However, it doesn't look like fans will see their Cha Cha, as Kai jokingly noted that it might be "cursed". The pro then revealed the plan for next week, when it is hoped that Delta will return to the ballroom.
"I think we're gonna slow it down a little bit next week and ease back into it. But as Delta reminded me today on FaceTime, she was like, 'It always has to be iconic.' So, we have to make it iconic, that's my job now to choreograph it," Kai shared.
Fan reactions to injury
This comes after Delta's injury statement sparked quitting fears among fans, who were worried that the star might have to bow out of the series. "NOOOOOO!! SHE BETTER NOT WITHDRAW!" one individual posted on Reddit.
Another responded, saying: "Please no, I finally get my fav celeb to do the show so hopefully it doesn't end like that." A third said: "I'm hoping that too. It's usually the case that they leave and I hope that's not the case here."
Yet another commented: "Rib injuries are no joke. I hope she is able to come back but jeez she must be in a lot of discomfort." A fifth fan echoed the sentiment: "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."
Strictly Come Dancing and Strictly: It Takes Two are both available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
