Delta Goodrem’s Strictly Absence Brings Johannes Radebe’s Emotional Icons Week Tribute

Delta Goodrem’s absence from Icons Week left a gap in the Strictly Come Dancing line-up, but a message from Johannes Radebe made the night feel personal. Watching from home as the presenters sent her their love, the Australian singer was overcome with emotion. She says she’s focused on recovering in time to return next week.

Goodrem had to sit out this week’s show after injuring a rib during training. The injury had already led to two hospital visits, and she confirmed earlier in the week that she wouldn’t be able to dance. Under the show’s rules, she receives a bye through to the next round.

At the start of the broadcast, Emma Willis explained that one couple would be missing. She told viewers Goodrem had been advised by the medical team not to dance, then clarified that the rules would carry her through to next week. The presenters were opening Icons Week, with each performer introduced by the name of the music or entertainment figure they would portray.

Radebe, a former professional on the show, used the moment to speak directly to Goodrem. “Delta my darling I know you’ll be watching so I just want to say we are all sending you so much love,” he said. Goodrem was watching from home, and later shared a video of herself reacting to the tribute. “I love you too,” she said, blowing a kiss to the presenters. Her caption added: “Thanks team. It’s been a rough week. Love you guys!”

The timing stings because Goodrem and her partner, Kai Widdrington, had arrived at the break in strong form. They scored 33 points for their disco-themed Salsa last Saturday, topping the leaderboard and earning the series’ first nine. That result had given them momentum; missing the next performance means they won’t be able to build on it this week.

Goodrem addressed fans before the broadcast, saying she had prepared a seat at home and was recovering. She also described the difficult adjustment that comes with an unexpected setback: “It takes a while to get into a positive mindset when you have a setback and you just need to be able to process it and work out what the body is saying and how we continue to move through this.”

For a performer who had just reached the top of the leaderboard, the challenge now is patience. A rib injury affects movement and control, both central to dance, and Goodrem gave no detailed recovery timetable. Instead, she said she was taking time to understand what her body needed while looking forward to watching the other couples perform.

“I’m very excited to see the amazing talented class of 2026,” she said, adding that she was eager to watch their iconic performances. She also apologized for missing the show and said she was giving everything she had to be back the following week. It’s an aim, rather than a confirmed return date.

In a statement on Monday, Goodrem said she was “absolutely gutted” to miss the round. “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,” she said. “I cannot tell you how much I love being a part of this magical show.”

Her words, and the presenters’ on-air tribute, underline what the interruption means: she’s stepping away just after a standout score, while the competition carries on without her performance this week. The bye preserves her place in the next round, but the immediate focus is whether recovery allows her to take the floor again. Goodrem says she’s determined to make it back; her next update should bring a clearer picture.

Strictly Come Dancing continues tomorrow night on BBC One.