Strictly star Delta Goodrem ‘gutted’ to pull out of Saturday live show ‘due to rib injury’

Delta Goodrem has had to dramatically pull out of Strictly Come Dancing’s live show on Saturday on doctor’s orders.

The Australian singer suffered a rib injury and will get a bye into the next round as per the rules of the BBC’s flagship dance competition.

She said: ‘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.

‘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!’

Delta is still currently leading the Strictly Come Dancing leaderboard after her and professional partner Kai Widdrington were given a score of 33 for their salsa.

Judge Anton Du Beke said the Lost Without You songstress was ‘setting a very high bar’ this season, while Craig Revel Horwood called her performance simply ‘amazing’. The salsa even landed the first nine of the series from Motsi Mabuse who said: ‘She brought the D.I.S.C.O. I absolutely loved that. Everything you bring on the dancefloor, it looks so easy. You have been giving from week one.This was the highlight of the night.’

The Sydney-born star became one of Australia’s biggest music exports after overcoming Hodgkin lymphoma while still a teenager.

Her debut album, Innocent Eyes, became one of the best-selling albums in Australian music history.

A Strictly spokesperson added: ‘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.”