Delta Goodrem and Dani Dyer Spark Scandal Before Strictly Debut

Dani Dyer and Delta Goodrem have both taken the microphone to explain how they earned a spot on *Strictly*’s newest season.

Last year, the former *Love Island* star suffered a fractured ankle just before the launch show, while the Australian singer‑actress balanced touring, Eurovision commitments and a recent wedding in Malta.

Now they’re ready to step onto the dancefloor again – but not without critics asking whether their backgrounds give them an edge.

The two celebrities have taken to the media to detail the trials that landed them on the show. They emphasise hard work, injury recovery, and family support rather than any pre‑existing advantage. Their responses come ahead of the season’s launch on Saturday at 7:25 p.m. on BBC 1 and BBC iPlayer.

## Background & Context

*Strictly Come Dancing* has been a cultural touchstone for the UK since its debut in 2004, marrying the of ballroom and Latin dance with the relatability of celebrity contestants. Over its 23‑plus seasons, it has become a breeding ground for new dance talent, a platform for established performers, and a launchpad for crossover careers.

The show’s popularity has spurred countless spin‑offs, from *Dancing on Ice* to international editions in the US, Canada and Australia.

In recent years, the programme has faced both praise and scrutiny. Behind‑the‑scenes behaviour incidents, questions about fairness in judging, and the physical demands placed on contestants have become part of the public conversation.

The 2024 season arrives at a crossroads: long‑time hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly are stepping down after eleven years, replaced by Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and former professional dancer Johannes Radebe. Producers are hoping the new lineup will inject fresh energy while addressing past controversies over on‑set conduct.

Against this backdrop, Dani Dyer was announced as a contestant for *Strictly*’s 23rd series last summer. She was slated to join the roster at the launch show, but a fractured ankle sustained during rehearsals of the quickstep with partner Nikita Kuzmin forced her to withdraw.

She spent ten weeks in recovery, pausing her regular gym routine and undergoing physiotherapy. Later that year, producers offered her a second chance, which she accepted with enthusiasm: “I couldn’t say yes fast enough,” she said of the new opportunity.

Delta Goodrem’s path to the dancefloor has been shaped by a different set of commitments. A prolific singer‑songwriter, she has toured extensively across Europe and the UK, promoted her latest album, and made a brief appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest as a guest commentator.

Her schedule kept her in the northern hemisphere during the filming window, and her recent wedding in Malta had her balancing bridal bliss with professional obligations. Fresh from a stadium show in Switzerland, the 41‑year‑old told reporters she loves London’s architecture and people. “I’ve fallen in love with the city…

I’m beyond excited to step into Strictly world,” she said.

Both contestants also bring a family dynamic to the stage. Dani’s mother‑in‑law has been vocal about her support, reportedly “manifesting” her Strictly adventure on social media. Her parents will be in the audience at the launch, adding a touch of home‑grown encouragement.

Delta’s in‑laws are equally enthusiastic; she noted that her mother‑in‑law’s favourite show is *Strictly*, and they plan to cheer her every step of the way.

## What People Are Saying

The questions about whether Dani and Delta enjoy an “unfair advantage” are not new. Social media users have divided themselves into camps: one side argues that a celebrity’s public profile and fanbase give them a competitive edge, while the other insists that the rigorous training schedule levels the playing field.

Hashtags like #StrictlyUnfairAdvantage and #DaniVsDelta have trended on Twitter and Instagram for days.

In her interview, Dani admitted her biggest fear is re‑injuring her ankle. “I’m probably most nervous about getting out on that dancefloor for the first time and being judged… I do feel a bit wobbly after what happened,” she told reporters.

She also shared how her footballer husband, West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen, helped her recover by buying an ice machine and insisting on regular icing. “I did, but it just kept swelling,” she recalled. Fans appreciated her honesty, with many praising her resilience on Facebook comments like, “You’ve got this, love!

Healing and dancing – we’re rooting for you.”

Delta spoke about her lack of dance background and the excitement of mastering ballroom and Latin styles. “I didn’t even know there was a difference between Latin and ballroom going into this,” she said. She also expressed enthusiasm for learning tango, adding that she hopes to bring “glitter, big hair” to the show.

“Hit me up with all of it,” she laughed. Her fans responded with emojis and playful GIFs, while dance enthusiasts shared video clips of her practice sessions, noting her strong rhythm and musicality.

Both stars highlighted the support from their families. Dani’s mother‑in‑law reportedly “manifested” her Strictly adventure, and her parents will be in the audience at the launch.

Delta said her in‑laws would cheer her on, noting that “my mother‑in‑law’s favourite show is Strictly.” Their relationships are a point of reassurance for both contestants.

The industry impact of these fan discussions is notable. Producers have begun to emphasize transparency around training schedules and judges’ scoring criteria in press releases.

The show’s marketing team launched a series of behind‑the‑scenes videos featuring the contestants’ rehearsal footage, aimed at mitigating concerns about an “unfair advantage” narrative. In doing so, they tapped into a broader trend of reality shows embracing social‑media engagement to shape public perception.

## What Happens Next

The season’s launch is scheduled for Saturday at 7:25 p.m. on BBC 1 and BBC iPlayer. Neither contestant has yet been paired with a professional partner; Dani hopes to work again with Nikita, while Delta would like someone taller than her. The show’s producers are reportedly deciding assignments as the series moves forward.

Fitness plans are already in motion. Dani has been training slowly after ten weeks of rehabilitation and plans to keep her gym routine steady. She now focuses on ankle‑specific exercises, hip mobility drills, and low‑impact cardio to rebuild confidence on the floor.

Her physiotherapist has recommended a gradual return to full choreography, with a target of performing the waltz in the first week of rehearsals.

Delta, who has not been a regular gym goer, will need to up her game, especially after carrying suitcases for six months. She is working closely with her personal trainer to build core strength, improve flexibility, and refine footwork.

Her musical background gives her an advantage in rhythm recognition, but the technical precision of ballroom demands a new skill set. She has already booked additional dance classes with renowned instructors to accelerate her learning curve.

The medical team on *Strictly* will monitor both contestants closely. With Dani’s history of injury, she is scheduled for weekly check‑ins to ensure ankle stability. Delta will undergo routine fitness assessments to track her progress and prevent overuse injuries.

The show’s production schedule has built in buffer days for any unforeseen setbacks, reflecting the lessons learned from last season’s injuries.

Fans can look forward to watching these two newlyweds—Dani married to Jarrod Bowen and Delta married to Matthew Copley—navigate the challenges of a dance competition while balancing their personal lives.

Whether their past experiences grant them an advantage remains a topic of discussion, but both are focused on bringing energy, resilience, and a touch of sparkle to the *Strictly* stage.

The season promises drama, talent and plenty of glitter. Keep your eyes on the dancefloor this Saturday for the latest from Dani Dyer and Delta Goodrem.