Delta Goodrem forced into Strictly Come Dancing partner swap

Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Kai Widdrington is to miss this weekend’s episodes due to illness.

As a result, fellow professional Aljaz Skorjanec will dance the Argentine tango with Widdrington’s partner, Australian singer Delta Goodrem, on Saturday’s live episode of the BBC programme.

Announcing the news on Friday’s episode of Strictly sister show It Takes Two, presenter Ellie Taylor said: “Due to illness, Kai is unable to perform on tomorrow night’s show.

Kai Widdrington has had to pull out of this weekend's shows due to illness. — Kai Widdrington has had to pull out of this weekend’s shows due to illness. PA Media

“Instead Aljaz will step in to dance the Argentine tango with Delta.

“Kai we are sending you so much love, feel better soon.”

It comes after Goodrem was given a bye through to the next round earlier in the series following a fractured rib, returning on October 24 to score the series’ first 10 with Widdrington for their rumba to Celine Dion’s It’s All Coming Back To Me Now.

Saturday’s show will also see actress Jaime Winstone return to the ballroom, having missed last week’s episode with her partner Carlos Gu due to a torn abdominal muscle.

In a post on Instagram earlier this week, she said: “Hey guys, we are back.

“It’s been a hard week and it’s been very frustrating not being able to dance and join everyone else in the ballroom.

“I wanted to let you know that we are intending to dance.

“We have been given the all-clear under certain rules by the doctors. We’ve just done our wonderful Charleston with amazing choreographers and Carlos.”

Strictly will return on BBC One at 6.25pm, with its results show taking place on Sunday at 7.15pm.