Kai Widdrington and Delta Goodrem
Delta Goodrem reportedly injured herself during 'Strictly Come Dancing' training last week, but continued to perform during Saturday night's programme Instagram/@deltagoodrem

Delta Goodrem's hopes of winning Strictly Come Dancing have been thrown into uncertainty after the Australian singer suffered a painful rib injury that has forced her to miss the next live show. The setback comes just days after she and professional dance partner Kai Widdrington topped the leaderboard, making the timing particularly disappointing for the competition favourite.

Goodrem, 41, reportedly injured herself during training last week but continued to perform during Saturday night's programme. However, after struggling with pain following the show, she was taken to hospital for treatment and later returned for further medical attention.

The BBC has confirmed that Goodrem will sit out this weekend's episode on medical advice. Although she and Widdrington have been granted a bye to the following week, her return will depend on her recovery.

Why Has Delta Goodrem Been Rushed to Hospital?

According to reports, Goodrem's rib injury developed during rehearsals for a Salsa routine featuring lifts and other demanding movements. Despite the discomfort, she went ahead with the performance alongside Widdrington on Saturday, 10 October.

The pair impressed the judges with their routine, continuing their strong run in the competition. However, the singer reportedly struggled to sleep because of the pain after filming ended and sought treatment at an accident and emergency department.

It was also reported that Goodrem returned to hospital on Monday as doctors assessed the injury. An unnamed source claimed that what began as a relatively minor problem had worsened during the week.

What Has Delta Goodrem Said About Her Injury?

Goodrem has expressed her disappointment at being unable to compete this weekend, describing the decision as heartbreaking after the high of her latest performance.

'I'm absolutely gutted that a rib injury means I won't be able to dance on Strictly this week,' she said in a statement shared on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two. The singer added that she had been enjoying the experience and would concentrate on resting and recovering, while thanking viewers for their support.

Her message suggested she remained hopeful about returning to the dancefloor. However, she has not confirmed a date for her comeback, and her recovery will determine whether she can resume competing.

Will Delta Goodrem Have To Leave 'Strictly Come Dancing'?

For now, Goodrem has not withdrawn from the competition. It was confirmed that she and Widdrington will receive a bye through to the following week, when producers hope they will be able to perform again.

The arrangement gives the pair time to recover without facing elimination during this weekend's show. Nevertheless, the injury creates uncertainty because contestants cannot continue taking repeated absences under the programme's rules.

It has been reported that contestants are allowed one free pass before being required to withdraw. This means Goodrem's ability to return for the next live show could be crucial to her continuing participation. There has been no official announcement that she must leave the competition, so withdrawal remains a possibility rather than a confirmed outcome.

A Major Setback After a Strong Run

Goodrem and Widdrington had been enjoying considerable success on the dancefloor, topping the leaderboard again after their latest Salsa. Missing a live show is therefore a significant setback for a couple who had built momentum early in the series.

For the singer, the immediate priority is recovering safely rather than rushing back before she is ready. Rib injuries can make twisting, lifting and other dance movements painful, although the severity and recovery time vary from person to person.

Whether Goodrem returns for the next round remains to be seen, but her place in the competition has not yet been declared over. For now, fans will be hoping the break gives the singer enough time to recover and return to the ballroom. Her Strictly Come Dancing journey remains on hold, with her next appearance dependent on medical advice and her progress over the coming days.