Delta Goodrem has been forced to pull out of the next episode of Strictly Come Dancing after suffering a painful rib injury.
The Australian actor-turned-singer, who is one of the favourites to win this year’s series, announced the news via It Takes Two host Ellie Taylor on Monday (12 October).
”I'm absolutely gutted that a rib injury means I won't be able to dance on Strictly this week,” Taylor said, reading out Goodrem’s statement.
“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.
“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.”
She thanked her fans for their support on Instagram, writing: “It's so appreciated. I'll be cheering everyone on from the sidelines this week!”
The BBC added that Goodrem “had been advised by doctors to rest” and, in line with the rules of the show, will receive a bye through to next week “when it is hoped they will be able to dance again”.
Goodrem’s fellow contestant Dani Dyer withdrew from series last year after a fall in rehearsals left her with a fractured ankle.
As it was so early in the competition, the TV personality was given the chance to return for the 2026 edition.
Goodrem topped the leaderboard at the weekend with her professional partner Kai Widdrington, receiving the first nine paddle of the competition for her salsa to a remix of Incognito’s “Always There” and Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody”.
The second celebrity to be eliminated from the series over the weekend was Gavin and Stacey actor Melanie Walters following a dance-off with former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Craig Revel Horwood chose to save Wright-Phillips and Warr, as did Shirley Ballas – and there was hope for Walters when Motsi Mabuse elected to save her. However, this week’s head judge, Anton du Beke, had the deciding vote and used it to send Wright-Phillips through to the next round.
After Sunday’s results show (11 October), the Welsh actor expressed her disappointment, writing on Instagram: “So sorry to be leaving the show. Huge thanks for all your support. Diolch yn fawr iawn pawb!
“All the luck and love to my fellow remaining contestants, and the biggest thanks of all to the beautiful soul and amazing teacher @aljazskorjanec. Love you! It’s been a blast.”
The first eliminated star was celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, who was voted off the competition last week with his pro partner Amy Dowden.
This week’s Strictly will take the theme of Icons Week, with the celebrities and their partners performing routines inspired by “some of the best-loved recording artists in history”, according to the BBC.
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