Strictly Come Dancing contestants Dani Dyer and Delta Goodrem are pushing back against suggestions that their backgrounds give them an unfair advantage on the upcoming season. Both women have detailed significant personal challenges and unique paths that led them to the dancefloor.

Dani Dyer, who was set to compete in the 23rd series last year, had to withdraw just before the launch show due to a fractured ankle. The injury occurred during a quickstep rehearsal with professional partner Nikita Kuzmin. Dyer described the experience as "utterly heartbroken" and a "week of mourning." She will now have a second opportunity to compete after producers offered her another chance.

"I was so grateful because although I know what happened wasn't my fault, I felt this overwhelming guilt. So to get a second chance is amazing," Dyer stated. Her recovery involved ten weeks of limited mobility, during which she could not engage in her usual gym routine.

Australian singer and actress Delta Goodrem is also set to join the cast. Her participation comes after a busy touring schedule and an appearance at Eurovision, which has kept her primarily in the Northern Hemisphere, making a stint on the UK show feasible. Goodrem expressed her excitement about the iconic nature of the show and her growing affection for London.

Both contestants acknowledge the pressures of performing. Dyer admitted to being most nervous about her initial appearance on the dancefloor and her fear of re-injury, particularly with the quickstep. Goodrem, while not a regular gym-goer, is preparing to increase her fitness levels. "My fitness has been carrying suitcases for the past six months, so I will definitely have to up my game," she said.

Addressing claims of an inherent advantage, Goodrem noted that while she performs on stage, her dancing is often playful and not necessarily polished ballroom technique. She mentioned that her driver at the Commonwealth Games was a ballroom dance champion who showed her some moves. Dyer countered similar accusations from her previous year's competition, stating that her childhood attendance at stage school concluded in her teenage years with little recollection of the lessons.

The new season will feature a revamped presenting lineup. Longtime hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly have stepped down after 11 years. Comedian Josh Widdicombe will be joined by Emma Willis and former Strictly professional dancer Johannes Radebe as the new presenters. Dyer expressed confidence in the new team, describing them as "very funny and very genuine."

Both Dyer and Goodrem are newlyweds. Dyer married West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen 15 months ago and has three children. Goodrem recently married musician Matthew Copley in Malta after a nine-year relationship. Both have family support with their mothers-in-law expressing excitement for their respective daughters-in-law's participation.

Goodrem's career has seen significant success, including selling eight million albums worldwide since signing with Sony at 15. She has also overcome health challenges, including a diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma at 18 and subsequent treatment. Later, nerve paralysis in her tongue after surgery in 2018 temporarily affected her speech and singing ability, requiring extensive speech therapy.

Dyer gained fame after winning Love Island in 2018 and is the daughter of actor Danny Dyer. The father-daughter duo recently starred in the documentary series "The Dyers' Caravan Park."

Strictly Come Dancing series 24 is scheduled to launch on Saturday at 7:25 p.m. on BBC1 and BBC iPlayer.