Strictly Come Dancing professional Kai Widdrington has admitted he is "gutted" as he shared a fresh update on his injured dance partner Delta Goodrem.
The TV star, 31, is paired with former Neighbours actress Delta on the BBC Saturday night favourite, but she has been forced to take time out of the show after suffering a broken rib. She has been given a free pass to the next round of the competition, but it remains to be seen whether she will be well enough to return.
Kai's update on Delta
She had been due to appear on Friday's It Takes Two, but Kai took her place and revealed: "It's gutting. Gutting. I am here representing Team Delta-Kai. As Delta would say Captain Kai.
"I spoke to her yesterday, I've been speaking to her all week, she's in really good spirits. Even when she's injured, she's still looking fabulous."
Delta's recovery at home
Delta, who is best known for starring in Australian soap Neighbours and released hits such as Innocent Eyes, has broken her rib but is hoping to recover in time for next week and, following her doctor's order, has been getting rest at home.
Taking to social media, she 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. 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.. as well as the wonderful Strictly team!!"
She added: "Resting and recovering at home and will be cheering everyone on from my couch on Saturday night xx." Delta had previously said she was "absolutely gutted" to be out of the show for the week, and hoped she'd be back the following week.
Plans for Icons Week
Kai, who has previously danced with the likes of Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison, Angela Rippon and Loose Women anchor Kaye Adams, went on to insist that his current partner has the right sort of drive when it comes to dancing and shot down the notion that she has a wealth of experience in the area.
He said: "People think she's danced a lot, she's actually got a lot of past trauma with dance as I'm sure we'll get into on the show but for her she's never done ballroom and Latin.
"Just to see her apply herself, it's just a dream for us pros. That's all we can ask for."
Delta had planned to dance to Dolly Parton's Jolene with Kai during Icons Week, but it will now be performed instead by Amy Dowden.
A spokesperson for the show had 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.
"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: "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!"
