Strictly Come Dancing star Delta Goodrem has confirmed she will not dance on the BBC show this weekend after suffering a rib injury. The 41-year-old Australian singer revealed at the start of the week that she would miss Icons Week, and new details have now emerged about the extent of the problem.
Injury confirmed as broken rib
Discussing the update on ITV's Lorraine, Vogue Williams said: "The new development, she actually has a broken rib. That's so painful, but she was dancing with that (last Saturday), she's such an incredible dancer, she topped the leaderboard with 33 points with Kai doing that Salsa."
Last weekend, Delta impressed both the panel and home audiences with her Samba performance alongside professional partner Kai Widdrington, securing a score of 33 and placing them at the top of the leaderboard.
Future in the competition in question
The rules of the BBC show state that celebrities taking part get a one-week pass if they're hurt. As Lorraine enquired what this might signify for her future participation, Vogue clarified that celebrities receive a one-week allowance when they sustain injuries.
She added: "So, by next Monday, they have to make a decision on whether or not she's able to dance. If she can't dance by next Monday, then she's out of the competition. She might be able to pull through, but a rib injury is quite a tough one because of all the moves that they're doing."
Icons Week plans changed
With her spot during Icons Week now vacant, BBC audiences can anticipate watching Kai perform alongside professional partner Amy Dowden, whose celebrity companion was the initial contestant eliminated from the programme, in a performance paying tribute to the late Dolly Parton.
People were looking forward to Delta's performance for Icons Week, where she was scheduled to perform an Olivia Newton-John-inspired routine. However, she told fans she'd be 'Cheering everyone on from the sidelines' instead due to her injury.
Announcing in a statement that she's had to pull out of the upcoming live show, she wrote: "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 out is heartbreaking- especially after the height of Saturday night.
"I can not 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. Sending all my love, Delta xx."
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday October 17 on BBC One from 6:15pm.
