Delta Goodrem Strictly Come Dancing return rib injury pushes Week 5 limits
After sitting out Icons Week with a pre-fractured bone, the Australian singer faced hospital scans and the threat of mandatory withdrawal from the series.
Delta Goodrem is heading back to the ballroom. On Saturday morning, October 24, the Australian singer confirmed she has been medically cleared to return for Week 5 of Strictly Come Dancing 2026 after sitting out the previous live show due to a painful rib injury.
In a video diary compilation posted to her Instagram account on Saturday, Goodrem documented her scans, hospital visits and recovery process. Recording during medical checks, she spoke candidly about the physical toll: “This is very painful, praying that this is okay. Feeling a little nauseous from the pain,” she said.
Following tests, she updated followers on her diagnosis: “I’ve come back from the wonderful doctors, and they are saying that it is a pre-fractured rib, which I feel very, very gutted about. Hopefully I’ll get back next week, that’s the plan. Thanks everyone for the support, I’m just super disappointed,” she explained.
Her message to fans
Writing alongside her video post, Goodrem reflected on the mental challenge of having to step away from rehearsals. “I filmed little moments over the past two weeks to remind myself that even on the frustrating days, there would be progress,” she wrote. “I was gutted when the injury happened as I’ve been truly loving this experience so much.”
She continued: “It’s hard to be patient when you want to be full force again but I’ve been listening, taking things carefully and learning to appreciate the small steps.” Looking ahead to the live show, she added: “Heading into show day feeling grateful to be able to take a few more tonight with all the incredible help from everyone around me.” She also included a message for others facing hurdles: “To all my warriors out there in your own battles I see you and am with you, we are fighters.”
The road to Week 5
Goodrem was granted an automatic one-week bye for Week 4 (Icons Week) on October 17 under competition regulations that permit couples to advance on medical advice. Under Strictly rules, contestants are allowed only one bye week before facing mandatory withdrawal from the series.
The BBC first confirmed her return on October 19. “Following her bye last week due to injury, we’re delighted to confirm Delta has been given the all clear to dance again this weekend,” a BBC Strictly spokesperson announced on Instagram, as reported by the Evening Standard. Appearing on Training Room Diaries on October 21, Goodrem told viewers: “I’m very, very grateful to be back.”
Support across the ballroom
Goodrem and professional partner Kai Widdrington established themselves as frontrunners early in series 24, topping the leaderboard in Week 1 and Week 3 and securing the competition’s first score of 9 from judge Motsi Mabuse for their Salsa.
Her injury prompted support across the cast. Co-host Johannes Radebe sent a live message during Icons Week, saying, “Delta my darling I know you’ll be watching so I just want to say we are all sending you so much love.” On Instagram, co-host Josh Widdicombe commented “Woo hoo!” while Strictly: It Takes Two co-host Ellie Taylor posted “Hurrah!” Fellow contestant Dani Dyer added “Rest up angel,” and Dannii Minogue commented: “I am absolutely gutted for you. Rest up now – sparkle again soon.”
For Saturday night’s Week 5 live show, Goodrem and Widdrington are scheduled to dance a Rumba to Celine Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.” It remains to be seen whether the pre-fractured rib will limit her choreography, lifts or scoring, but her comeback is officially underway.
