Delta Goodrem Out of 'Strictly Come Dancing' Due to Rib Injury

Strictly Come Dancing hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe have sent their well wishes to singer Delta Goodrem after she was forced to miss Saturday's show due to a rib injury.

It was confirmed Monday that Goodrem, 41, sustained a rib injury during training last week and will be given a bye until the following week. Hosts acknowledged her absence during the show, with Willis explaining the situation and noting that the show's rules allow for such an absence without disqualification. Radebe added, "Delta my darling, I know you're watching at home, we're all sending you so much love!"

Doctors have advised Goodrem to rest and sleep upright to aid her recovery. She is scheduled to meet with show bosses and medical staff on Monday to determine her fitness to return. Contestants are permitted only one bye during the competition.

Despite the injury, Goodrem managed to perform her salsa routine, which included complex lifts, during last Saturday's live show with her professional partner Kai. The pair topped the leaderboard for the second consecutive week with their performance to "Always There/Ain't Nobody" by Jocelyn Brown and Chaka Khan. Hours after the performance, Goodrem sought medical attention at A&E due to pain.

In other show news, Amy Dowden, who was eliminated in the first week with partner Chris Appleton, is set to return for a performance this Saturday alongside Kai Widdrington. They will dance to Dolly Parton's "Jolene."

Meanwhile, judge Motsi Mabuse appeared to address rumors of tension with co-host Josh Widdicombe during the third week's show. Viewers had noted perceived friction between Mabuse and Widdicombe, suggesting the judge was annoyed by his interruptions. Mabuse, however, commented, "Yes Josh, my FRIEND!" in response to a joke, seemingly aiming to dispel speculation. Viewers also noted that Johannes Radebe seemed more settled in his hosting role, as the presenting trio has faced some criticism since the season began.

The judging panel also experienced some disagreement last week, with Craig Revel Horwood calling head judge Shirley Ballas a "fun sponge" for her critique of Lawrence Robb and Jowita Przystał's rumba. Ballas had described the dance as "not my cup of tea," while Revel Horwood praised Robb's performance. Motsi Mabuse lightheartedly commented on the judicial tension, likening it to helping parents through a divorce.

Melanie Walters and her partner Aljaz Skorjanec were the latest couple eliminated from the competition during the third week's results show, following Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden's departure in the first week.