Strictly Come Dancing star Delta Goodrem has confirmed that her professional partner Kai Widdrington was taken to hospital after falling ill, forcing him to miss Saturday's live show. Aljaž Škorjanec stepped in at short notice to dance the Argentine Tango with her.
Illness forces last-minute change
On Friday (November 13), the BBC announced that Kai Widdrington would be unable to perform with Delta Goodrem due to illness. His fellow professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec, who left the competition with Melanie Walters in week three, quickly stepped into his place.
A statement on Strictly's official Instagram account read: "Due to illness, Kai is unable to dance on tomorrow night's show. Instead, Aljaž will step in to dance the Argentine Tango with Delta. We're sending Kai all our love and hope he feels better very soon."
Emotional week for Delta
As he introduced Delta and Aljaž on Saturday evening, presenter Josh Widdicombe remarked: "Our next star on the dance floor is Delta Goodrem, who has had quite the week." Emma Willis continued: "On Monday, she and Kai celebrated her birthday and began training for a brand-new routine."
Josh then stated: "However, yesterday in rehearsals, Kai became unwell, and on the advice of our medical team, he was sent home to rest." Emma observed: "So, Aljaž has very kindly stepped in, and after just a few hours of rehearsing together, they are ready to dance with an Argentine Tango."
Delta appeared visibly emotional in the VT after Kai became unwell. "Today's been crazy. Kai's been taken ill and sadly, he won't be dancing this weekend. Aljaž is stepping in and we have a couple of hours to learn the routine. It's heartbreaking, but I know I'm in good hands," she said.
Hospital visit and performance
While waiting for her scores, Delta confirmed that Kai had been taken to hospital after he became unwell on Friday. She told Johannes Radebe: "So, it was an extremely crazy week. Obviously, we're so sad that Kai got so unwell yesterday, and he had to go to the hospital. So, we're both sending him so much love watching tonight. I'm so proud of my dance partner and, no doubt, he'll be strong and come back."
Turning to Aljaž, she added: "I'm in such amazing hands, obviously with Aljaž being so incredible, and such an inspiration. I couldn't believe late last night, the way he just jumped straight in and I was like, 'Wow, it really is different,' but he's so incredible that I felt very much in safe hands. [I'm] so honoured to dance with you."
Despite the last-minute changes, Delta and Aljaž wowed the panel with their Argentine Tango, securing three 9s and an 8 from the judges. During her feedback, Shirley revealed that Delta had trained with three different partners throughout the week.
Kai's recovery and fan reaction
Kai has since returned home, as he was seen watching the show via a clip on his Instagram Story. He could be heard saying: "Let's go, let's go," as he tuned into the broadcast. He subsequently added: "Yes! They did brilliantly," following Delta and Aljaž's performance.
Supporters were swift to send their best wishes to Kai, while others expressed worry that Aljaž might need to take over for the remainder of the series. "Shame for Kai - get well soon, but what a treat to watch the wonderful Aljăz dance the #ArgentineTango with Delta," one person wrote on X.
Another added: "Omg is Kai actually okay? Sounds like he's in hospital? Maybe it'll be Delta and Aljaž the rest of the series?" A third said: "I wonder which other pro she danced with beforehand and why they had to switch, also poor Kai ending up in hospital hope he's doing okay!" Someone else commented: "Oh gosh I wonder what was wrong with Kai. Hope hospital was just a precaution but hope he is ok."
Strictly Come Dancing is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
