Strictly Come Dancing Week Five: Delta Goodrem Returns 2026

Strictly Come Dancing week five delivered a dramatic return as Delta Goodrem took to the dancefloor after a rib injury, while Shaun Wright-Phillips remained the bookies' favourite for elimination. The live show, which aired tonight, saw the 12 remaining couples compete in a non-themed week between the fan-favourite Icons Week and the upcoming Halloween special.

Goodrem, who sat out last week due to a painful rib injury, received the all-clear from doctors and performed a slow, rib-friendly rumba to ease herself back into the competition. Her return swelled the ranks back to 12 couples and added fresh intrigue to a series that has already delivered the tightest ever scoreboard in week four, with all couples within nine points of one another.

Delta Goodrem's Injury Comeback: A Cautious Rumba

Delta Goodrem's return was one of the most anticipated moments of the night. The singer and actress had been forced to miss week four after sustaining a rib injury, but doctors gave her the green light to perform a gentle rumba designed to minimise strain on her torso.

The choice of dance was strategic: the rumba's slower tempo and controlled movements allowed Goodrem to showcase her artistry without risking further damage. It remains to be seen whether the judges will reward her resilience or penalise the lack of dynamic content, but her presence alone boosts the show's momentum as it heads toward Halloween week.

Shaun Wright-Phillips: Bookies' Elimination Favourite

Despite climbing from ninth to fifth on last week's leaderboard, Shaun Wright-Phillips remains the bookies' favourite for the next elimination. The former footballer's improvement on the scoreboard hasn't translated into safety with the betting public, who appear unconvinced by his long-term prospects.

Wright-Phillips will need to deliver a standout performance to shift the narrative. With the competition tightening and the public vote notoriously unpredictable, his position is precarious. A strong dance tonight could silence the doubters, but another mid-table showing might see him in the bottom two.

The All-Female Top Three: Lacey Turner, Tabby Stoecker, and Delta Goodrem

Bookies are currently predicting an all-female top three of Lacey Turner, Tabby Stoecker, and Delta Goodrem. This trio has captured the public's imagination, with Turner and Stoecker consistently impressing and Goodrem's comeback adding an emotional narrative.

The male trio of Cach Mercer, John Nellis, and Graeme Hall are next in line, according to the odds. This gender split in the betting suggests a possible shift in voter demographics or simply a reflection of the women's stronger performances so far. It's a compelling storyline to watch as the series progresses.

Week Five's Non-Themed Show: A Chance for Pure Dance

After the fancy-dress frenzies of Icons Week and before the Halloween spectacular, week five offered a mercifully non-themed show. This allowed the couples to focus on technique and storytelling without the distraction of elaborate costumes or gimmicks.

The absence of a theme also raises the question: could one couple be about to score the first maximum of Strictly Come Dancing 2026? With the standard rising and the judges in a generous mood, a perfect 40 might not be far away.

Key Takeaways from Week Five

• Delta Goodrem returned after a rib injury with a cautious rumba, receiving medical clearance to perform.
• Shaun Wright-Phillips remains the bookies' favourite for elimination despite climbing to fifth on the leaderboard.
• Bookies predict an all-female top three: Lacey Turner, Tabby Stoecker, and Delta Goodrem.
• Week five was a non-themed show, sandwiched between Icons Week and Halloween week.
• The competition is the tightest ever, with all couples within nine points in week four.

Leaderboard and Betting Odds Comparison

What to Watch Next

As the competition moves toward Halloween week, the pressure intensifies. Delta Goodrem's ability to maintain her form after injury will be crucial, while Shaun Wright-Phillips must defy the odds to stay in the competition. The all-female top three prediction adds another layer of intrigue, and a first perfect score could be on the horizon.

Viewers will also be watching for any behind-the-scenes drama, especially given the recent headlines about Amanda Abbington's five-figure BBC settlement over Strictly bullying. The show's handling of such issues remains under scrutiny.

Meanwhile, the international appeal of the format continues to grow, as evidenced by a celebrity's behind-the-scenes story from Greek Strictly Come Dancing. These stories remind us of the global reach of the franchise.

The BBC has also faced questions about editorial decisions, such as when it defended editing a trans rights slogan on a Strictly T-shirt. Such moments highlight the cultural conversations the show often sparks. The background to this story is set out in Celebrity: latest articles.

And as the series progresses, the shadow of past controversies lingers, with Amanda Abbington's bullying settlement with the BBC still a talking point among fans and critics alike. A related thread runs through Australia vs England Women's Rugby League World Cup Clash.