Vicky Pattison has become the latest celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing, following a shock dance-off defeat that denied her a place in next weekend's Blackpool special. The 38-year-old reality star, who topped the leaderboard last week with a tango scoring three 10s, found herself at the bottom alongside Balvinder Sopal after Saturday's jive with pro partner Kai Widdrington.
All four judges voted to save EastEnders actress Balvinder, who has now survived a record-equalling fourth dance-off. Head judge Shirley Ballas said nerves had let Vicky down, a sentiment the contestant echoed: 'I know I let my nerves get in the way – and I will proper beat myself up over that. But I’ve never danced before sober and here I am, sober as a judge.'
Vicky, who celebrated her 38th birthday on the day of her exit, admitted she had enjoyed the experience 'loads more than I thought I was going to'. She told presenter Tess Daly: '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.'
Fans expressed dismay at the result, with one calling it 'pretty shocking' and another criticising the song choice – Sound of the Underground by Girls Aloud – as 'never a good idea' for a jive. The departure was seen as particularly brutal given Vicky's recent triumph and the milestone of reaching Blackpool.
Vicky paid tribute to her partner Kai, saying: 'I’m so sorry I didn’t get you to Blackpool but I feel like I’ve won just by having you as my partner.' Kai responded: 'You are everything that this series is about. Strong, confident, independent – and all that I can say is, I have loved every single second.'
