Strictly Come Dancing fans are fearing for Delta Goodrem after the star was forced to pull out of the live show. The Australian singer sustained a rib injury and has been advised by doctors to rest, meaning she will not dance on this weekend's programme. Supporters are now anxious she may be forced to abandon the series altogether.
Bye through to next week
It Takes Two presenter Ellie Taylor broke the news on Monday's programme that Delta Goodrem would be granted a pass through to the following week. She delivered the BBC statement, which read: "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's heartfelt response
Delta also remarked in a statement that she was "gutted", declaring: "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. 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 voice concerns on social media
Following the announcement, supporters flocked to social media to voice their concerns that Delta might be forced to withdraw from the series. "NOOOOOO!! SHE BETTER NOT WITHDRAW!" one person wrote. Another responded, stating: "Please no, I finally get my fav celeb to do the show so hopefully it doesn't end like that."
A third contributor remarked: "I'm hoping that too It's usually the case that they leave and I hope that's not the case here." A further comment read: "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 commented: "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." A further viewer posted: "I hope she comes back to the competition and doesn't have to withdraw. Her dances are one of the highlights of each show!"
Another viewer commented: "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."
A further fan remarked: "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." One more supporter expressed: "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".
Previous withdrawal and comeback
Last year, Love Island personality Dani Dyer was compelled to abandon the competition following a leg injury during the initial weeks of training, before making a comeback twelve months later. She shared in a statement last year: "I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny. I thought I had rolled my foot but it swelled up badly over the weekend and after an MRI scan yesterday, it turns out I have fractured my ankle. Apparently doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable (!!) and the doctors have said I am not allowed to dance so l've had to pull out of the show. To say I'm heartbroken is the biggest understatement. I am so going to miss dancing with Nikita but will of course be watching closely and cheering all the couples on."
Upon the announcement of her comeback this year, she enthused: "I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!I'm just over the moon and cannot wait to find out who else is doing it!" Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday at 6.15pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
