In a stunning turn of events on Strictly Come Dancing, reality TV favourite Vicky Pattison was sent home in week eight, shattering her dreams of dancing at the legendary Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
From Tango Triumph to Jive Jitters
Just one week after achieving a near-perfect score for her tango, which earned her three 10s from the judges and the top spot on the leaderboard, Pattison's fortunes dramatically reversed. Her jive with professional partner Kai Widdrington on Saturday night landed her at the bottom of the scoreboard with just 27 points, tying with Balvinder Sopal.
The 38-year-old, who has been open about her struggles with anxiety, confessed that her nerves were her undoing. "I know I let my nerves get in the way - and I will proper beat myself up over that," she admitted. "But I’ve never danced before sober and here I am, sober as a judge." Head judge Shirley Ballas agreed, confirming that Pattison's anxiety had ultimately cost her.
The Fateful Dance-Off
Forced into a dance-off against Balvinder Sopal and her partner Julian Caillon, the decision was unanimous. All four judges—Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, Anton du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood—voted to save the EastEnders actress. This marked Balvinder's fourth survival in the dance-off, equalling a record set by singer Jamelia in 2015.
The elimination was described as particularly brutal by fans, coming on Pattison's 38th birthday and so soon after her tango triumph. One viewer commented online, "Pretty shocking result, had Vicky down as a nailed on finalist." Others criticised her jive performance, suggesting the song choice, outfit, and set design did her no favours.
An Emotional Farewell
Despite her disappointment, Vicky remained gracious. She told presenter Tess Daly, "It was so lovely while it lasted, and I’ve had the nicest time. I tried my hardest, as I have every week." She expressed that getting to week eight had "far surpassed" her own expectations, quipping, "Listen, I didn’t think I’d get past week one."
She paid a heartfelt tribute to her professional partner, telling Kai, "You’ve been the best partner a girl can ask for. 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." In return, Kai Widdrington praised her as "everything that this series is about" and said he had "loved every single second" of teaching her.
