Strictly Come Dancing professional Kai Widdrington will not perform this weekend as planned after falling ill, with the BBC confirming that co-star Aljaz Skorjanec will dance with Delta Goodrem instead.
The update was delivered at the start of Friday night's (November 13) edition of It Takes Two, where host Ellie Taylor told BBC viewers: "First, some news just in. Due to illness, Kai is unable to perform on tomorrow night's show."
Aljaz Steps In for Argentine Tango
Taylor continued: "Instead, Aljaz Skorjanec will step in to dance the Argentine Tango with Delta. Kai, we are sending you so much love. Feel better soon."
Strictly's official Instagram published a statement announcing the news moments beforehand. Kai has yet to acknowledge his absence on his social accounts.
Advice for Delta After Partner Change
Elsewhere during the programme, Taylor spoke to former professional Luba Mushtuk, who offered Delta guidance following the last-minute change. Mushtuk said: "I think she's in such safe hands with Aljaz. I think the Argentine Tango is all about dancing with your partner because obviously it's all connected; you never have time without your partner. So, I think she's in wonderful hands, and she just needs to let go and go with it. I've danced with him (Aljaz) many times; he's wonderful at leading, so I think it's going to be a beautiful dance."
Former contestant Ashley Roberts described Delta as a "trooper", adding that if she takes to the dance floor on Saturday night and allows Aljaz to lead, she'll "nail it". Katie Piper cautioned: "It could derail you because this isn't the person you've built the chemistry up with, so if she doesn't like change, it might be hard. But she's a joy to watch."
Delta's Recent Injury and Fan Support
Delta has impressed judges and viewers since the series began, but she was forced to sit out Icons Week after sustaining a rib injury. In accordance with the rules of the BBC programme, she was granted a week off to recuperate and returned to the dance floor the following week.
This weekend (November 14) will also see Jaime Winstone make her comeback, having missed last weekend due to an injury of her own.
Fans reacted quickly to the news that Kai would not be dancing this week, with many showing support for the BBC star. One person said: "Kai, get better soon; we need you for Blackpool." Someone else wrote: "Poor Delta (and Kai) going through the trenches this series." Another fan commented: "Poor Kai and Delta, not much time for Delta to get used to a new partner." One person commented: "I'm absolutely gutted." While another posted: "Get well soon @kaiwidd Good luck for your Argentine Tango tomorrow night @deltagoodrem @aljazskorjanec."
Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC One Saturday at 6:25pm.
