Strictly Come Dancing professional Kai Widdrington has provided a new update on his celebrity partner Delta Goodrem, after she was forced to miss 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's own statement
Delta then issued 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."
She added: "I can not 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!"
Kai's update on It Takes Two
Delta's professional partner Kai offered a fresh update on the star during an appearance on Strictly spin-off, It Takes Two, on Friday (October 16). Kai stepped in for Delta on the programme, sitting on the sofa alongside Dani Dyer and Dame Sarah Storey.
Presenter Ellie Taylor kicked off by saying: "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 responded: "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."
Plans for next week
He then provided an update on Delta, stating: "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."
Delta and Kai were set to honour Olivia Newton-John during Icons Week. However, it seems unlikely that fans will witness their Cha Cha, as Kai humorously suggested it might be "cursed". The professional dancer then disclosed the plan for the following week, when it is hoped that Delta will make her return to the dance floor.
"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 revealed.
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."
Strictly Come Dancing and Strictly: It Takes Two are both available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
