Strictly Come Dancing contestants Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington will sit out Icons Week after Goodrem sustained a rib injury during training, earning a one-week bye to recover before potential competition next weekend.
Why Did Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington Miss Icons Week?
Delta Goodrem suffered a rib injury in training that prevented her from competing on Saturday night’s show. According to a statement from a BBC spokesperson, doctors advised the Australian singer and actress to rest. The injury temporarily halts a high-scoring run that included closing Week 1 with a fiery Samba that put their partnership on the map, an A Star Is Born-inspired American Smooth in Week 2 that helped them top the combined leaderboard from both weeks, and a Week 3 Salsa scoring the first 9 of the series.
Under competition regulations, the pair received a one-week bye. Goodrem expressed gratitude to supporters while confirming her intention to watch the broadcast from the sidelines, stating via the BBC: 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 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.
What Was the Planned Icons Week Routine?
Goodrem and Widdrington intended to perform a Cha Cha to Olivia Newton-John’s “Xanadu” for Icons Week. During an appearance on the BBC spin-off series It Takes Two on Friday, 16 October, Widdrington told host Ellie Taylor about the abandoned choreography.
When Taylor suggested performing the routine the following week, Widdrington replied that they feel the track might be cursed.
How Are They Preparing for Their Return?
Widdrington revealed on It Takes Two that the partnership has already begun putting together choreography for Week 5. The pair plans to slow down their next routine to accommodate the recovery process.
Goodrem reportedly reminded her partner via FaceTime that their comeback performance still has to be iconic. The duo topped the combined leaderboard across the first two weeks of the competition before missing Saturday’s broadcast.
Frequently Asked Questions About Strictly Come Dancing Icons Week
What is Icons Week on Strictly Come Dancing?
Icons Week features performances inspired by major music figures such as Elton John, Shania Twain, Mariah Carey, and James Brown. The theme debuted on the program in 2024 and was moved forward in the schedule this year.
How many couples missed the weekend show?
Two couples were absent from Saturday’s lineup. One absence followed the elimination of Melanie and Aljaž in Week 3, while Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington missed the episode due to injury.
When do Delta and Kai plan to return?
The pair holds a bye through to next week’s episode, with both dancers expressing hopes to return to the BBC One dancefloor for Week 5.
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