Delta Goodrem has addressed her absence from the upcoming live Strictly Come Dancing show after a rib injury sidelined her. The Australian singer, partnered with Kai Widdrington, had earned the series' first nine from the judging panel last weekend.
Hours later, it was announced that Delta would withdraw from Icons Week on Saturday, 17 October. It Takes Two presenter Ellie Taylor revealed on Monday that Delta had sustained a rib injury and would receive automatic progression to the following week.
BBC statement and Delta's response
Ellie shared the BBC statement, reading: "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 added in her own statement that she was "gutted", 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."
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," reports Wales Online.
Instagram update and fan support
The Eurovision performer has now posted an update on Instagram, expressing gratitude for her followers' backing. She uploaded a photograph of herself recuperating on the sofa, surrounded by flowers while resting beneath a blanket.
Delta 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. Not the start to the week I'd hoped for but your support has meant the world."
She added: "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.. aswell as the wonderful Strictly team! ! Resting and recovering at home and will be cheering everyone on from my couch on Saturday night xx."
Audiences flooded the comments section to offer their encouragement, with one individual posting: "Sending so much love D! We are all behind you." Fellow Strictly performer John Nellis said: "See you soon," while another supporter commented: "Sending love."
Support from fans and Strictly departures
Another supporter added: "Awww Queen D! You are truly a warrior and will bounce back from this! Keep that smile and now that we are all behind you sending you the love." Yet another wrote: "I hope that you feel well very very soon, Queen. You are a perfect dancer. Let's go!"
Someone else said: "Rest up warrior, hold on and be strong, here's to a speedy recovery, big love." Another follower commented: "Sending you soooo much love I hope you heal quickly and are taking very good care of yourself xxx."
Prior to the new series of Strictly, which has already witnessed the departures of Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden, along with Melanie Walters and Aljaz Skorjanec, Delta had expressed her enthusiasm.
She said: "So excited! I feel very much ready to grab my dancing shoes, hit the ballroom, find as much glitter as possible to put on my shoes. I am approaching it with a total open heart, and I am just wanting to learn the new skill set!"
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday at 6.15pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
