Vicky Pattison has spoken out following her elimination from Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday night, which coincided with her 38th birthday. The Geordie Shore star and her professional partner Kai Widdrington were voted off after facing Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon in the dance-off, with all four judges opting to save the EastEnders actress.
Taking to Instagram on Monday, Pattison expressed her gratitude for the experience, saying: 'I have had an incredible couple of months and I'm so grateful to everyone at Strictly for the most amazing experience!!! I am going to miss my beautiful strictly family so much.' She added that she was 'struggling to put into words how much this process has meant to me.'
Fans were left confused when Pattison and Widdrington failed to appear on It Takes Two on Monday, as is standard for eliminated contestants. Host Fleur East confirmed they would appear later in the week. A source close to Pattison told The Mirror that the BBC had given her permission to celebrate her birthday with friends and family, and she will appear on It Takes Two on Wednesday.
Pattison, who had topped the leaderboard the previous week with her tango, admitted her nerves got the better of her in the jive to Sound of the Underground. She told presenter Tess Daly: 'I knew this week was a difficult one for me, and I tried my hardest, as I have every week.' She added that reaching week eight surpassed her expectations, saying: 'I didn't think I'd get past week one.'
Her partner Kai Widdrington praised her, saying: 'You are everything that this series is about. Strong, confident, independent – and all that I can say is, I have loved every single second.' Pattison, who has spoken about her battle with anxiety, shared a video from her birthday party, where she was seen blowing out candles surrounded by friends.
