EXCLUSIVE: Olympic champion Tabby Stoecker tells the Mirror that it’s ‘absolutely gutting’ that Delta Goodrem won’t be able to perform at the weekend.
Olympic champion Tabby Stoecker has said that it is “so gutting” that Delta Goodrem is unable to compete on Saturday’s live Strictly Come Dancing show.
The Australian singer, 41, was forced to pull out of Icons Week after suffering a broken rib during rehearsals. She will be replaced by pro Amy Dowden, who will join Delta’s partner Kai Widdrington, 31, to perform their Dolly Parton-inspired dance in a Strictly first.
Speaking to the Mirror, Tabby said: “It’s so gutting. We’re all hoping that she has a speedy recovery. I mean, she’s an absolute trouper.
“She’s such a strong woman, and I think you know doing something so physical injury is always part of it. It’s just really sad that it’s happened to her at this point, but I’m sure she’s going to recover really fast, and we’re all sending her so much love and healing energy.
“We want to see her back as quickly as possible because also she just brings such great energy when we’re in the studio. So we’re going to be missing her a lot on Saturday.”
Tabby, who is performing a samba as RAYE this weekend, said that she hasn’t let the fear of getting an injury impact how she tackles training.
“I haven’t worried about it any more than I usually would because we have such a great team and there’s a fabulous support network here,” she said. “As long as you’re eating well and sleeping well and looking after yourself, you can always do things to mitigate.
“Of course, there is always a risk that you can hurt yourself when you’re pushing yourself physically. But I try not to have it in my mind too much because then you just kind of worry unnecessarily about things that you can’t control.”
Delta will be hoping to recover by next week as contestants are only able to use one bye in the competition. If she is unable to perform again next weekend, she will be forced to pull out of the competition entirely.
The singer took to Instagram after the news broke about her injury and wrote: “Just wanted to come on here and say a big Thank you to everyone who has sent messages and wrote lovely comments the last couple of days, I see them all.
“Not the start to the week I’d hoped for but your support has meant the world. Also special big thank you to my amazing dance partner @kaiwidd who I will miss dancing with this weekend but I am so beyond grateful for his guidance and friendship through it all.. as well as the wonderful Strictly team!!”
She added: “Resting and recovering at home and will be cheering everyone on from my couch on Saturday night xx.”
A spokesperson for the show had said: “Due to injury, Delta Goodrem has been advised by doctors to rest and, as a result, will not dance on this weekend’s Strictly Come Dancing.
“In line with the rules of the show, Delta and Kai will receive a bye through to next week when it is hoped they will be able to dance again. We wish Delta the very best as she continues her recovery.”
Delta added: “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.
“I cannot tell you how much I love being a part of this magical show. I’m going to focus on resting and recovering, and hopefully I’ll be back on that dancefloor very soon. Thank you so much to everyone for all the love and support. It’s so appreciated. I’ll be cheering everyone on from the sidelines this week!”
Sources revealed that Delta’s rib injury “deteriorated” and she was “in absolute agony” performing. She was later rushed to hospital to undergo tests but is now resting at home.
A source said: “Delta has been pushing herself as far as possible to impress Strictly viewers. A small injury at the start of last week has quickly deteriorated. On Saturday night, despite putting on a brave face and smiling, she was in absolute agony.
“Filming didn’t wrap until late Saturday night and she was exhausted. The plan was to go home and get some rest but she could hardly sleep. On Sunday morning she was raced to A&E and then spent most of Monday also at the hospital.”
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