Strictly Come Dancing viewers have been left devastated after popular contestant Vicky Pattison was voted off the BBC show in a heartbreaking elimination that coincided with her 38th birthday.
Birthday Blues in the Dance-Off
The reality television star became the seventh celebrity to leave the competition after failing to impress judges with her jive routine to Girls Aloud's "Sound of the Underground". The elimination carried extra emotional weight as it occurred during Sunday's results show, which aired on Pattison's birthday.
Pattison found herself in the dreaded dance-off against EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal and her professional partner Julian Caillon. The judges voted unanimously to save Sopal, who had delivered an American smooth to Mary Wells' classic "My Guy".
In an emotional exit interview with host Tess Daly, a visibly nervous Pattison confessed: "I let my nerves get in the way. I'm so, so gutted." Her departure came at a particularly cruel moment, with the remaining couples preparing for the coveted Blackpool week at the famous Tower Ballroom.
An Emotional Farewell
Pattison reflected on her Strictly journey, admitting she never expected to progress beyond her first dance. "I'm really honoured to have shared this experience with so many amazing people," she stated emotionally.
She reserved special praise for her professional partner Kai Widdrington, telling him: "I don't want to sound too cheesy, but 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, and I'm so grateful."
Widdrington echoed these sentiments in a social media post on Sunday evening (16 November), expressing "genuine sadness" at their departure. On Instagram, he wrote: "It has been the most amazing fun and pleasure dancing with the wonderful Vicky Pattison. You not only conquered your fears and your nerves, but you showed the world what an amazing dancer you are and how far you've come from being a complete novice."
Fan Reaction and What's Next
The professional dancer continued: "I am incredibly proud to have been your dance partner in this wonderful adventure that we call strictly and I truly wish we could've taken our journey even further." He also thanked their "incredible" supporters whose votes had kept them in the competition.
Fans flooded social media with messages of support and disappointment. One viewer commented: "So sad to see you go, my favourites from the first week," while another noted: "It's been amazing to watch Vicky progress each week."
The emotional response continued with one devastated fan writing: "Utterly heartbroken. Loved this team. You rocked that dance floor!" Another added: "Kai, I'm so gutted for you both. You two were amazing! We will miss you both."
Meanwhile, the competition continues to heat up. During Saturday's main show, Love Island star Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin topped the leaderboard with an impressive score of 38 for their dramatic paso doble to Aerosmith's "Dream On".
Judge Anton Du Beke described their performance as "thrilling to watch" and "very exciting", while Motsi Mabuse praised their "drama, presentation and timing".
The remaining seven couples now prepare for the highlight of the Strictly calendar - the special episode at the world-famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom next weekend.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday on BBC One at 6.35pm.
