Strictly’s Kai Widdrington says it’s ‘baby steps’ as he returns to training with Delta Goodrem following rib injury

Strictly’s Kai Widdrington has said it’s ‘baby steps’ as he returned to training on Monday with partner Delta Goodrem following her rib injury.  The singer, 41, was ordered to rest by doctors and received a pass through to the next round after the injury left her unable to train last week. Now in a new update, professional dancer Kai, 31, said he and Delta are ‘aware’ of the injury as they returned to the dancefloor and he praised her ‘professional attitude’.Speaking to the Daily Mail on the Pride Of Britain red carpet, he said: ‘I’m really excited to be back, last week I didn’t know what to do I was playing golf and anything but training.’I’m really happy to be back in the studio training we had our first session today which was good. ‘Delta is good, it’s baby steps but she is a pro and her attitude is so professional and she’s bringing it from her field into this’.  Strictly’s Kai Widdrington has said it’s ‘baby steps’ as he returned to training on Monday with partner Delta Goodrem following her rib injury The singer, 41, was ordered to rest by doctors and received a pass through to the next round after the injury left her unable to train last weekKai continued: ‘She is applying herself so well which as a coach that is all I can ask for. It’s my job to make sure the routine is good but we are aware of [the injury].’But we are moving forward, dancing as normal but we are aware as we have to give a good performance this week.’He also revealed the pair are dancing to something a bit slower this week to ‘ease into it.’  Kai also added that new Strictly hosts Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe are ‘fitting in so well’ as they took over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The dancer praised the trio, who have received some criticism from fans during the first few weeks of the BBC show, for their ‘warm’ personalities. Asked what he thinks of the new hosts, Kai said: ‘They fit in so well, they are so lovely to be around and so warm on and off camera. ‘They ask how you’re doing and that goes a long way with the celebrities who are nervous, it makes them feel really at home. ‘And obviously for us we’re there every year and we understand it, but they’ve really made the celebs feel very much at home and it’s not the easiest thing to do when it’s your first year as well, so I think they’re brilliant.’Strictly shared the news Delta was back in rehearsals with partner Kai on Instagram on Monday as they shared a sweet selfie of the pair. They captioned the post: ‘Following her bye last week due to injury, we’re delighted to confirm Delta has been given the all clear to dance again this weekend.’She’ll return to the ballroom on Saturday night, and Abi Clarke will pop into her rehearsal room for a chat on Training Room Diaries on Wednesday evening.’ Now in a new update, professional dancer Kai, 31, said he and Delta are ‘aware’ of the injury as they returned to the dancefloor and he praised her ‘professional attitude’ Strictly shared the news Delta was back in rehearsals with partner Kai on Instagram on Monday as they shared a sweet selfie of the pair Kai also added that new Strictly hosts Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe are ‘fitting in so well’ as they took over from Tess Daly and Claudia WinklemanFans were delighted by the news and wrote in the comments: ‘That’s my girl @deltagoodrem so happy for you’The Sydney-born star managed to perform a Salsa during week three of the competition, keeping her top of the leaderboard for the second consecutive week.But it was only hours after the live broadcast that she was brought to hospital as she struggled to sleep through her pain.Doctors ordered Delta to rest, as well as sleep upright to aid her recovery.Long-established Strictly rules state that a contestant is allowed one free pass before they have to withdraw from the competition. On Saturday night, the hosts addressed the Australian star’s absence.Emma Willis told how it was ‘such a shame’ for her to be missing out on Icon’s Week, as she explained to viewers what happened and reiterated that the rules meant she’d be able to dance again next week. Meanwhile, Johannes Radebe added: ‘Delta my darling, I know you’re watching at home, we’re all sending you so much love!’Dame Sarah Storey was voted off on Sunday night’s show. STRICTLY COME DANCING 2026: MEET THE CONTESTANTS LACEY TURNER  AGE: 38BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Stacey Slater on BBC’s EastEnders WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’m so excited and terrified at the same time but I’ve had so many friends do Strictly and I thought it was about time that I plunked up the courage and made my way onto that dance floor.’DELTA GOODREM AGE: 41BEST KNOWN FOR?: Played Nina Tucker in Neighbours and has released eight music albumsWHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’ve been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career – from tv, theatre, film sets, to touring my own shows around the world, there is however one stage I’ve never stepped onto and that is the ballroom floor!’CACH MERCER AGE: 25BEST KNOWN FOR?: Won Love Island 2025 and is a TikTok influencerWHY STRICTLY?: ‘I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast. Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can’t wait to learn Ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time!’DAME SARAH STOREY AGE: 48BEST KNOWN FOR?: Britain’s most successful Paralympian WHY STRICTLY?: ‘Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.’BETHANY ANTONIA  AGE: 28BEST KNOWN FOR?: Plays Lady Baela Targaryen in House of the DragonWHY STRICTLY?: ‘I have grown up watching Strictly, and I am so excited to take the challenge on and (hopefully!) learn a new skill.’GRAEME ‘THE DOGFATHER’ HALL AGE: 59BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Channel 5 series Dogs Behaving (Very) BadlyWHY STRICTLY?: ‘I have watched the show for years, so to be a part of it feels like a very exciting challenge, albeit more than a bit nerve-wracking!’TABBY STOECKER  AGE: 25BEST KNOWN FOR?: Olympic champion skeleton racerWHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’ve had the wildest year of my life so far, so to be rounding it off with a childhood dream of dancing in the Strictly ballroom is surreal and I can’t wait to get stuck in!’MELANIE WALTERS  AGE: 64BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Gwen West in BBC sitcom Gavin & StaceyWHY STRICTLY?: ‘Performing in Pantomime for the last 15 years, my Strictly ‘fix’ has always been watching in a dressing room rather than my front room.’ DANI DYER AGE: 30BEST KNOWN FOR?: Winning Love Island and being the daughter of actor Danny DyerWHY STRICTLY?: ‘I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!’CHRIS APPLETON AGE: 43BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hairdresser to the stars – including Kim Kardashian and Jennifer LopezWHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’m thrilled to be joining Strictly and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience. I’ve always believed that the best things happen when you take a chance and try something new.’WILL BEST AGE: 41BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Big Brother and previously TVWHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’ve been lucky to do lots of live telly before, but absolutely nothing like this. And I cannot wait!’JAIME WINSTONE AGE: 41BEST KNOWN FOR?: Starring in films such as Kidulthood and Tomb RaiderWHY STRICTLY?: ‘I am no stranger to a dance floor, but the ballroom is a whole new world for me.’SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS  AGE: 44BEST KNOWN FOR?: Footballer who played for the likes of Chelsea and Manchester CityWHY STRICTLY?: ‘Strictly is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I’m super excited to get started and really looking forward to the challenge!’LAWRENCE ROBB AGE: 34BEST KNOWN FOR?: Plays Mackenzie Boyd on ITV’s EmmerdaleWHY STRICTLY?: ‘I can’t quite believe that I am going to be getting my dancing shoes on this September on one of my favourite shows of all time!’JOHN NELLIS  AGE: 33BEST KNOWN FOR?: Face of a popular football-focused YouTube channelWHY STRICTLY?: ‘I can’t wait to meet everyone, learn a new skill and, hopefully, be much better at family parties by the end of it!’