Former reality star Vicky Pattison has publicly apologised to Strictly Come Dancing fans after skipping her scheduled appearance on the spin-off programme It Takes Two on Monday evening.
Birthday Celebration Takes Priority
The 38-year-old presenter, who became the latest celebrity eliminated from the ballroom competition on Sunday night, took to social media to explain her absence. Vicky revealed that Strictly producers had granted her special permission to miss the usual post-elimination interview to celebrate her birthday with family and friends.
Sharing a photograph from her celebrations on Instagram Stories, the media personality wrote: "A gorgeous evening celebrating with my friends and family! Sorry if anyone was expecting to see me on It Takes Two tonight! My lovely Strictly family gave me the night off to enjoy my birthday!"
Emotional Exit From Strictly
Vicky's departure from Strictly Come Dancing came after she found herself in the dreaded dance-off against Balvinder Sopal during Sunday's results show. Despite both couples landing at the bottom of Saturday's leaderboard, judges Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke all chose to save Balvinder. Craig Revel Horwood confirmed he would have made the same decision had his vote been required.
The elimination shocked many viewers, with some describing it as the "most shocking yet" - particularly since the results had been leaked online prior to the broadcast.
An emotional Vicky told host Tess Daly during her exit speech: "It was so lovely while it lasted, and I've had the nicest time. I knew this week was a difficult one for me, and I tried my hardest as I have every week. Listen, I didn't think I'd get past week one."
Tribute to Dance Partner and Future Appearance
Vicky made sure to praise her professional partner Kai Widdrington, 30, in her social media posts, describing him as "the absolute BEST partner a girl could ask for.. and even more than that, a friend."
She added in her Instagram tribute: "I have had an incredible couple of months and I'm so Grateful to everyone at @bbcstrictly for the most amazing experience!!! I am going to miss my beautiful strictly family so much.. and I can't wait to watch them all smash it this weekend in Blackpool!!!"
Fans won't have to wait long to see the eliminated couple on screen, as Vicky confirmed she and Kai will appear on It Takes Two on Wednesday. She enthusiastically wrote: "Me and @kaiwidd will be on on Wednesday and I can't wait!!!"
Meanwhile, on Monday's episode of It Takes Two, host Fleur East addressed Vicky's absence, telling viewers: "This weekend we sadly said goodbye to Vicky and Kai. They can't be with us tonight but will be joining us later on in the week."
Kai Widdrington had previously shared touching words about his partner during their exit, saying: "[Vicky] You are everything that this series is about. Strong, confident, independent - and all that I can say is, I have loved every single second. I'm going to be gutted not coming to Blackpool with you on Monday. But I just want you to know that I feel like I have also won getting you as my partner, and you will live on in Strictly history forever."
