Delta Goodrem will not perform on Strictly Come Dancing this weekend after injuring her rib. The Eurovision singer, partnered with Kai Widdrington, is expected to return next weekend, a BBC spokesperson confirmed.
The spokesperson 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.” They added that, in line with show rules, Delta and Kai will receive a bye through to next week, when it is hoped they will be able to dance again.
Delta's statement on the injury
Delta expressed her disappointment in a statement: “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.” She added, “It’s so appreciated. I’ll be cheering everyone on from the sidelines this week! Sending all my love, Delta xx.”
Amy Dowden returns to dance with Kai
While Delta rests, fans will see Amy Dowden back on the dance floor. The BBC confirmed that the Welsh dancer, who was the first eliminated from the 2026 series, will perform to Dolly Parton’s Jolene with Kai on Sunday.
The news was confirmed on ITV’s Lorraine, where host Lorraine Kelly spoke with Vogue Williams about the latest showbiz news. According to Vogue, Delta had already been dancing with the injury when she and Kai topped the leaderboard with their salsa, earning 33 points.
Strictly rules on injury
Asked whether Delta could remain in the competition, Vogue explained that Strictly's rules allow an injured contestant to take one week off. She said a decision would be made by the following Monday about whether Delta was fit to dance; if she could not return by then, she would have to leave the contest.
Lorraine also asked who would dance with Kai on Sunday, and Vogue revealed Amy Dowden would join him, welcoming the professional dancer's return. “She's going to be dancing with Kai, and supposedly to Dolly Parton's Jolene. I mean, that's going to be so good,” she confirmed. Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturday at 6.15pm on BBC One.
