Strictly's Delta Goodrem dedicates dance to absent Kai Widdrington as she scores highest marks yet

Strictly Come Dancing star Delta Goodrem dedicated her latest performance to her absent professional partner Kai Widdrington on Saturday's (14 November) live show, before going on to achieve her highest score of the series so far.

The Australian singer was forced to undergo a last-minute partner swap after Kai was ruled out of performing this weekend due to illness.

Fellow professional Aljaž Škorjanec stepped in to partner Delta for an Argentine Tango, with the pair impressing the judges despite having limited time to rehearse together.

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Following the performance, Delta took a moment to dedicate the routine to Kai, before discovering that she and Aljaž had secured an impressive 35 points out of a possible 40 from the judges.

News of Kai's absence was confirmed during Friday's edition of Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two by presenter Ellie Taylor.

"Due to illness, Kai is unable to perform on tomorrow night's show," she explained.

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

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

It's not the first setback that Delta and Kai have faced during their time in the BBC ballroom competition, with the singer previously having to sit out Icons Week after sustaining a rib injury last month.

Announcing the news at the time, Delta said in a statement: "I'm absolutely gutted that a rib injury means I won't be able to dance on Strictly this week. 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 can not tell you how much I love being part of this magical show. I'm going to focus on resting and recovering, and hopefully I'll be back on that dance floor very soon."

She also thanked fans for their messages of support and vowed to cheer on her fellow contestants from the sidelines.

Having since returned to the dancefloor, Delta has continued to go from strength to strength, with her latest performance putting her in a strong position ahead of next weekend's eagerly anticipated Blackpool special.

The annual trip to the iconic Tower Ballroom is considered a major milestone for the celebrity contestants, with the competition heating up as the remaining couples vie for a place in the final and the chance to lift the coveted Glitterball trophy.

Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.

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