Strictly's Delta Goodrem was rushed to hospital twice after battling through rib pain to perform - with her show future left 'hanging in the balance'

Strictly star Delta Goodrem was rushed to hospital hours after topping the leaderboard during Saturday night's show as she battles a painful rib injury.

It was confirmed on Monday that the Australian singer, 41, has been forced to stop training over the injury.

The singer will not be joining the remaining 12 couples on Saturday as they take to the dancefloor for Icons Week, instead Delta and professional partner Kai Widdrington will be given a bye into next week. 

Insiders have now revealed that Delta injured herself during training last week but managed to perform her Salsa, which involved some complicated lifts, on Saturday's live show.

The singer and Kai went on to top the leaderboard for a second week as they performed to Always There/Ain't Nobody by Jocelyn Brown/Chaka Khan. 

Hours later though and Delta was taken to A&E after she struggled to sleep through the pain.   

Delta then returned to hospital on Monday where doctors advised the 'heartbroken' star to pause training. She is now recovering at home with husband, musician Matt Copley.

'Delta has been pushing herself as far as possible to impress Strictly viewers. A small injury at the start of last week has quickly deteriorated,' a source told The Sun.

'On Saturday night, despite putting on a brave face and smiling, she was in absolute agony.

'Filming didn't wrap until late Saturday night and she was exhausted. The plan was to go home and get some rest but she could hardly sleep.'

The insider added that the star is now 'in a race to be fit to return' as Strictly rules dictate that contestants are only allowed one free pass before they have to withdraw from the competition. 

Delta's injury news was shared on Strictly spin off show It Takes Two on Monday night.

Delta, who was meant to portray Olivia Newton-John as her Icon, explained that she is 'absolutely gutted' after topping the leaderboard with her Salsa but has been 'advised by doctors to rest'.

It Takes Two host Ellie Taylor read the statement from Delta: 'I'm absolutely gutted that a rib injury means I won't be able to dance on Strictly this week,' Delta wrote. 

'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 cannot tell you how much I love being a part of this magical show. I'm going to focus on resting and recovering, and hopefully I'll be back on that dancefloor very soon.'

She added: 'Thank you so much to everyone for all the love and support. It's so appreciated. I'll be cheering everyone on from the sidelines this week! Sending all my love, Delta xx'

A Strictly spokesman added that doctors have advised the star to rest so she will be able to compete the week after. 

They said: 'Due to injury, Delta Goodrem has been advised by doctors to rest and, as a result, will not dance on this weekend's Strictly Come Dancing. 

'In line with the rules of the show, Delta and Kai will receive a bye through to next week when it is hoped they will be able to dance again. We wish Delta the very best as she continues her recovery.'

Meanwhile on Sunday's results show, Melanie Walters and Aljaz Skorjanec became the second couple to leave Strictly. 

The Gavin and Stacey star found herself fighting for survival in the dance-off after receiving a score of 17 on Saturday. 

Joining her at risk were former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips and his partner Alexis Warr, who had finished last on the leaderboard with 15 points. 

But after both performing again it was Melanie who found herself hanging up her dancing shoes having failed to impress the judges with her Charleston to Ooh Ahh... Just A Little Bit by Gina G.

Receiving one vote from Motsi Mabuse, the other three judges Shirley, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton chose to save Shaun and Alexis. 

Leaving the competition, Melanie looked to be fighting back tears as she said: 'Well to tell you the truth, I thought I was going to be out last week so I have had an extra week with this wonderful soul.'