Vicky Pattison has revealed she required therapy to manage her nerves and anxiety before appearing on Strictly Come Dancing. The reality TV star, 37, admitted she nearly turned down the opportunity due to fear but decided to seek professional help to prepare herself mentally for the live shows.
The Geordie Shore star sparked speculation she had quit the series after she and professional dance partner Kai Widdrington missed a scheduled appearance on the spin-off show It Takes Two on Monday. However, Pattison took to social media to clarify that illness was the reason for their absence, not a withdrawal from the competition.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Pattison said: 'There seems to have been a bit of a miscommunication. Kai was poorly earlier on in the week and I wasn't 110% so we had to pull out of our weekly appearance on It Takes Two... that's it. I have not dropped out of Strictly... I'm having a lovely time and really grateful for this experience.'
Pattison, who won I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here in 2015, admitted she struggles with imposter syndrome and intense nerves. Speaking to the Mirror, she said: 'I love my job and I'm scared all the time that it will just go away. I probably do have imposter syndrome. I've never thought, 'I'm the duck's nuts' – that's kind of gross. It would make me complacent and arrogant. I'm happier being nervous.'
She also shared a lengthy post explaining her decision to return to therapy. 'I knew before Strictly even started I was going to struggle with my nerves and anxiety... so much so, that I almost said no to this incredible opportunity. I almost let my fear stop me from doing something amazing,' she wrote. 'But I absolutely don't want that nasty little inner critic to dictate my life.'
Pattison and Widdrington are now back in training and are expected to perform this weekend as planned.
