Delta Goodrem Hit With Fresh Strictly Come Dancing Warning As Former Pro Reveals Why Her Glitterball Hopes Could Be In Danger
Delta Goodrem may have made a triumphant return to the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom, but her impressive comeback has sparked an unexpected warning that could spell trouble as the competition intensifies.
After a rib injury forced her to miss Icons’ Week, the 41-year-old Australian singer returned last weekend alongside professional partner Kai Widdrington. Their comeback was impressive, earning them 34 out of 40 points for their Rumba and securing second place on the leaderboard.
Yet despite her strong performance and consistent appearances among the competition’s top three couples, former Strictly professional Vincent Simone believes Delta could be facing an unexpected disadvantage: she’s simply been too good, too early.
‘She’s Been Too Good Too Soon’: Vincent Simone Delivers His Verdict
Speaking to Paddy Power Games, Vincent admitted he was impressed by Delta’s dancing but suggested her early success could create unrealistic expectations among viewers.
“I love what Delta Goodrem does, but I think she’s just been too good too soon,” he said.
He went on to explain that he prefers watching contestants develop throughout the competition rather than arrive as polished performers from the outset.
“I like to see people grow more into the competition. What she did was brilliant. In the rumba, there was lots of basic. Technically, she was really good, and you can tell they worked hard.”
However, Vincent believes Delta’s impressive standard could make maintaining public enthusiasm increasingly difficult.
“But because she’s been so good, you just want to see her excel every week,” he added.
It’s a potentially uncomfortable position for the singer. Once a contestant establishes such a high standard, even a solid performance can leave viewers expecting something extraordinary the following week.
Could Delta Suffer The Same Fate As Lewis Cope?
There is another reason Delta’s supporters may be concerned.
Vincent’s comments bring back memories of Lewis Cope’s shock elimination from the 2025 series, despite the Emmerdale actor being widely regarded as one of the competition’s strongest dancers.
Partnered with professional dancer Katya Jones, who previously won Strictly in 2017, Lewis consistently impressed viewers with his performances.
But his journey came to an abrupt end before the final when he found himself in the dreaded dance-off against Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin.
Vincent had previously suggested that contestants with strong theatrical backgrounds could sometimes struggle to secure public support, even when their dancing abilities were undeniable.
“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with bringing amazingly talented people into the show,” he explained.
“People sometimes find it unfair, but those types rarely win. The public tends to go for underdogs.”
He acknowledged that exceptionally talented contestants bring something special to the programme, even if their abilities do not always translate into votes.
“The entertainment they bring is unbelievable. And, from a professional dancer’s point of view, I love watching super-talented people.
“It makes the show special and gets people talking. People vote for their favourites, of course. But what Lewis brought to the show was unbelievable.”
Katya Jones Admitted Lewis’ Exit Left Her Heartbroken
Lewis’ unexpected departure also took an emotional toll on his professional partner.
Following the result, Katya admitted she had seriously questioned whether she wanted to return to Strictly.
Speaking to Mail Online, she revealed just how difficult the elimination had been.
“Every time I ask myself [if I want to return], and if the answer is still yes, I’ll be here doing it. And I must say, last year I was very heartbroken. So there was a lot of doubt, like, ‘Can I face it again?'”
Katya also confessed that the disappointment was particularly difficult because expectations had been so high.
“I guess our expectation was so high and not even from us, externally, you kind of see yourself getting all the way there. And then to have had it cut short was a little bit tough,” she added.
Her experience serves as a reminder that delivering outstanding performances does not necessarily guarantee a place in the final.
Delta And Kai Face Their Next Strictly Challenge
For Delta and Kai, the priority now is to keep their momentum going without allowing expectations to become an obstacle.
The pair will return to the ballroom this week for the show’s Halloween special, performing a Viennese Waltz to Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers.
After securing second place on the leaderboard in her comeback week, Delta will be hoping to maintain her position among the leading couples.
But with Vincent Simone questioning whether her early brilliance could ultimately work against her, the pressure is building.
Strictly Come Dancing continues tonight at 6.30pm on BBC One.