Delta Goodrem has found herself at the very top of the Strictly Come Dancing leaderboard, emerging as an early frontrunner for the Glitterball this year.
We are now three weeks in and the Australian singer, along with dance partner Kai, has consistently received the highest score from the judges week on week. Last week the pair danced a salsa to Chaka Khan's Ain't Nobody which earned them a whopping 33 points.
Unfortunately, however, Delta's winning streak has hit a bump in the road as its been confirmed she won't be performing this coming weekend due to injury.
Read on to find out more about Strictly Come Dancing 2026 contestant Delta Goodrem and what this injury means for her place in the competition.
Who is Delta Goodrem?
Age: 41
Job: Singer and actress
Instagram: @deltagoodrem
Partner: Kai Widdrington
Delta Goodrem is an Australian singer-songwriter has been in the music industry for over 25 years, having signed her first record deal at just 15. She gained international recognition with with her debut album Innocent Eyes, released in 2003, a 23-times Platinum phenomenon and one of the highest-selling albums in Australian history.
Across her career, Delta has sold more than nine million albums worldwide, achieved five number one albums and nine number 1 singles, and earned 12 ARIA Awards.
She has collaborated and toured with global icons including Céline Dion, Olivia Newton-John, Andrea Bocelli, Tony Bennett, Shania Twain, Backstreet Boys and Ricky Martin,
In 2002, she joined the cast of long-running Australian soap Neighbours as shy schoolgirl and aspiring singer Nina Tucker, a reoccurring role until 2005 which she reprised in both 2015 and 2022.
Most recently she represented Australia at Eurovision 2026 where she did well, finishing in fourth place with 287 points.
Why isn’t Delta Goodrem performing on Strictly this week?
The Australian singer won't be performing on Strictly this week after sustaining a rib injury which she is "gutted" about.
A Strictly spokesperson 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."
Delta herself added: "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."
Continuing, she said: "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 dance floor 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"
Delta Goodrem's Strictly journey so far
Scoreboard
Week 1: Samba (7 + 8 + 7 + 7 = 29)
Week 2: American Smooth (8 + 7 + 7 + 8 = 30)
Week 3: Salsa (8 + 9 + 8 + 8 = 33)
What has Delta Goodrem said about Strictly Come Dancing?
Delta Goodrem is "so excited" about joining Strictly, telling the BBC: "I feel very much ready to grab my dancing shoes, hit the ballroom, find as much glitter as possible to put on my shoes. I am approaching it with a total open heart, and I am just wanting to learn the new skill set!"
One of the things the singer is most looking forward to is the "incredible costumes".
She added: "I have no idea of what level of dancing I'm at, so I’m excited to have the professional dancers share all their wisdom with me. I enjoy learning and I’m not afraid of someone sharing with me how they think I can make something better. I love that there is a live band and that we can find songs that make me want to dance and connect to those emotional moments."
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday 17 October at 6:15pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
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