Delta Goodrem has pulled out of Strictly Come Dancing’s Icons Week because of injury, leaving the live show with 12 couples instead of 13. She has been given a bye to next week under the programme’s rules, so the field is thinner tonight but her place in the series remains open.
Icons Week and 12 couples
Week four of Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is the show’s second themed live show, and Icons Week is built around homages to Mariah Carey, Shania Twain and Sir Elton John. With Goodrem out, the competition loses one couple on the night, which changes the shape of the leaderboard race before a single dance has been scored.
Melanie Walters became the second celebrity to leave last week, which is why there are 13 couples left in the competition. Tonight, only 12 couples are taking to the floor, and that is the practical effect readers will see in real time: one fewer performance, one fewer set of scores, and one less chance for the injured contestant to slide down the table.
Will and Dianne at 31
Will and Dianne have already set one marker for the night, scoring 7, 8, 8 and 8 for a total of 31. It is their highest total yet, and it came after an emotional VT in which they spoke about being parents before performing an Elton John-themed Jive.
Motsi told Will, “I love that you are so consistent. You come here, you are well-rehearsed, well-prepared. Keep going. I love your journey.” Shirley added, “You can be extremely proud of yourself. This is your best dance so far.” Anton said, “A brilliant routine. Brilliantly put together and brilliantly danced.” Craig was sharper: “For me, it was a little bit stick insect-like. I just wanted you to actually calm down a little bit. But that was a complex routine. I think you did a fantastic job.”
Dani Dyer and Cach Mercer
Dani Dyer is set to dance a Rumba to Mariah Carey’s Hero, while Cach Mercer will perform a Foxtrot to Frank Sinatra’s New York, New York. The professionals are also paying tribute to Madonna with an extra special routine, which keeps Icons Week on its chosen theme even with one celebrity out of the live line-up.
For viewers, the immediate change is simple: there are still 13 couples in the series, but only 12 are performing tonight because Goodrem has withdrawn through injury. Her bye means the contest does not lose her entirely, yet the missing routine leaves the night shorter and puts more weight on the couples who do dance.
The unanswered point is the one that matters most for the next round: what specific injury forced Goodrem out. Until that is made clear, her return next week will be judged entirely on whether she is ready to take the floor rather than on how tonight’s scores shake out.
