Strictly's Delta Goodrem is forced to pull out of this weekend's live show following a rib injury just days after she topped the leaderboard

Delta Goodrem is left 'heartbroken' as she is forced to pull out of this weekend's Strictly Come Dancing following a serious rib injury. 

The singer, 41, explained that she is 'absolutely gutted' after topping the leaderboard with her Salsa last week. 

Sharing a statement on It Takes Two on Monday, host Ellie Taylor read: '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. 

'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 added: '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'

A Strictly spokesman added that doctors have advised the star to rest so she will be able to compete the week after. 

They said: 'Due to injury, Delta Goodrem has been advised by doctors to rest and, as a result, will not dance on this weekend's Strictly Come Dancing. 

'In line with the rules of the show, Delta and Kai will receive a bye through to next week when it is hoped they will be able to dance again. 

'We wish Delta the very best as she continues her recovery.'

After topping the leaderboard on week two, all eyes were on Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington as they took to the floor with their Salsa to Always There/Ain’t Nobody by Jocelyn Brown/Chaka Khan.

Loving what she saw, Motsi gushed: 'Brought the D.I.S.C.O, absolutely loved it, your highlight!' with an excited Craig noting: 'a-may-zing!'

And the judges were as generous with their scores as they were with their feedback, awarding the Australian singer and her partner 33 points – the highest score of the series so far. 

Meanwhile on Sunday's results show, Melanie Walters and Aljaz Skorjanec became the second couple to leave Strictly. 

The Gavin and Stacey star found herself fighting for survival in the dance-off after receiving a score of 17 on Saturday. 

Joining her at risk were former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips and his partner Alexis Warr, who had finished last on the leaderboard with 15 points. 

But after both performing again it was Melanie who found herself hanging up her dancing shoes having failed to impress the judges with her Charleston to Ooh Ahh... Just A Little Bit by Gina G.

Receiving one vote from Motsi Mabuse, the other three judges Shirley, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton chose to save Shaun and Alexis. 

Leaving the competition, Melanie looked to be fighting back tears as she said: 'Well to tell you the truth, I thought I was going to be out last week so I have had an extra week with this wonderful soul.'

Aljaz told the star: 'It is difficult to put into words, but if I was going to say something profound and beautiful it wasn't going to be looking like this. 

He added: 'Look you are an ultimate professional at what you do and that's why you are so successful in what you do and you showed me what hard work really is. 

'We started every day with "partner let's have the best day ever" so let's finish this with a hug and thank you for every single bit in rehearsals and every single step on that floor. Thank you.' 

They then took to the floor for the last time for a final twirl as Melanie wished her fellow contestants all the best for the rest of the competition.  

The couple will join Ellie Taylor on Strictly It Takes Two on Monday at 6.30pm.