Strictly Come Dancing star Delta Goodrem is set to return to the competition this weekend after being forced to pull out of last week's live show with a rib injury. However, a body language expert has warned the Australian singer could face a "major blow" as she makes her comeback.
The BBC confirmed Delta's return in a statement: "Following her bye last week due to injury, we're delighted to confirm Delta has been given the all clear to dance again this weekend."
Expert warns of 'Eurovision curse'
Speaking to Paddy Power, body language expert Judi James suggested Delta could struggle, saying: "Delta currently looks set to suffer from the Eurovision curse and Kai Widdrington will need to work quickly to avoid the same fate for her."
James referenced Delta's performance at the last Eurovision Song Contest, where she was "perfect" and "visually stunning", but lost out to acts that appeared "new, different and emotionally stimulating for the audience". James added that Delta's "old school" perfection may have cost her the win.
James also noted Delta's signature body language off the dancefloor is "a constant hand on the chest, near or over the heart, showing love, thanks and signalled sincerity". She said Kai needs to translate that into something "more real" for Delta to appeal to fans' hearts as well as their minds, warning: "If they don't get it, they'll start voting her into the dance-off just to create that 'response realness and rawness' themselves."
Delta thanks fans for support
Delta previously shared an update on her injury, thanking followers for their support. Posting an image of herself recuperating in bed, 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."
She added: "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.. aswell as the wonderful Strictly team! Resting and recovering at home and will be cheering everyone on from my couch on Saturday night xx."
Delta received messages of support from fellow stars, including Dannii Minogue, who wrote: "I am absolutely gutted for you. Rest up now - sparkle again soon." Dani Dyer also commented: "Rest up angel."
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday at 6.30pm.
