Delta Goodrem Says Strictly Partner Kai Widdrington Has Become Her ‘Mr Miyagi’

Delta Goodrem says she and her Strictly Come Dancing partner Kai Widdrington have built an easy, supportive connection as they take on the ballroom competition together. The Australian singer and actress, 41, described their partnership as “amazing” and joked that their shared energy is so strong they sometimes call themselves “Delta Kai”, a playful nod to the Cobra Kai dojo from The Karate Kid. Goodrem explained that Widdrington, 31, has a knack for guiding her through new steps. She compared him to Mr Miyagi, the martial arts mentor in the film, saying he will suggest a move or adjustment and soon she finds herself doing it. The pair have been working hard on the routines, and Goodrem said she is enjoying the music, the performances and the chance to make new friends since coming to the UK. Her Strictly run has already included a setback. After topping the leaderboard in her first two weeks, she injured a rib during rehearsals and had to miss a live show. Goodrem said the messages and encouragement from viewers meant a great deal, and she has since returned to the dance floor. She also admitted that the intensity of the training was a shock to her fitness, setting herself the goal of being able to speak comfortably after performing. Support at home has also helped. Goodrem said her husband, Matthew Copley, has backed her throughout the experience, even keeping her supplied with smoothies and coffee as she trains. She spoke warmly about the excitement of performing live each week, while making clear she is focused on taking the competition one stage at a time rather than assuming she will win. Goodrem has previously performed for huge Eurovision audiences, but she described Strictly as a different kind of challenge. She said she is relishing the opportunity to perform again and again, and praised Widdrington as a coach who makes the demanding work enjoyable. For now, the pair’s priority is to keep learning, recover from the interruption caused by her injury and make the most of their time on the show.