Aljaz Skorjanec Replaces Kai Widdrington for Delta Goodrem on Strictly Come Dancing

As viewers wonder why Delta Goodrem is performing with a new partner this weekend, the BBC has confirmed that professional dancer Kai Widdrington has been forced to miss the latest live show due to illness. The popular dance competition, which is now entering its eighth week, will see the Australian singer take to the ballroom floor with fellow professional Aljaz Skorjanec instead.

Changes to the Strictly lineup

The announcement was made during Friday's episode of the sister show, It Takes Two. Presenter Ellie Taylor confirmed the change to the lineup, stating that Widdrington is unable to perform on Saturday night. The production team and fans have sent their well wishes to the professional dancer for a speedy recovery. Goodrem and Widdrington were originally scheduled to perform an Argentine tango to the song Missing by Everything But The Girl.

This is not the first time the pair has faced disruption during the 2026 series. Earlier in the season, the couple was forced to miss a week of the competition after Goodrem suffered a painful rib injury. Following a bye through to the next round, the duo made a successful return on October 24, where they achieved the series' first perfect score of 10 for their rumba to Celine Dion’s It’s All Coming Back To Me Now.

Aljaz Skorjanec will partner Delta Goodrem for the Argentine tango after Kai Widdrington withdrew due to illness.

While the competition continues for the remaining nine couples, Saturday’s live broadcast will also feature the return of actress Jaime Winstone. Winstone and her partner Carlos Gu missed the previous week's episode due to a torn abdominal muscle. Winstone confirmed on social media that they have received medical clearance to return to the ballroom, having spent the week rehearsing their Charleston with the show's choreographers.

Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One this Saturday at 6:25pm. The results show is scheduled for Sunday at 7:15pm, at which point it will be confirmed which couples are heading to the famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom for the next stage of the competition.

Why it matters

The unexpected change in professional partners impacts the couple's performance dynamic during a critical phase of the 2026 series. As the competition nears the Blackpool milestone, the sudden absence of a regular partner like Widdrington places additional pressure on Goodrem to adapt quickly to a new dance partner during a live broadcast.

For followers of the show, this development highlights the physical demands placed on the participants and the logistical challenges the production team must navigate when illness or injury occurs. The event serves as a reminder of the volatility inherent in the competition, where the path to the finals can be altered by unforeseen personal health circumstances.