Strictly Come Dancing fans have pointed out a cruel detail in Vicky Pattison's exit from the show, which came on her 38th birthday. The reality TV star and presenter became the seventh celebrity to leave the BBC One dance contest after landing in the dance-off for the first time.
Pattison and her professional partner Kai Widdrington performed a Jive to Girls Aloud's debut single 'Sound of the Underground' on Saturday night, receiving a score of 27 out of 40. This left them tied at the bottom of the leaderboard alongside EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal and her partner Julian Caillon. Both couples faced the dance-off on Sunday's results show, with judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all choosing to save Balvinder and Julian. Craig Revel Horwood, who had the casting vote, said he would have done the same.
Fans were quick to note the unfortunate timing of Pattison's exit. One viewer wrote: 'Gutted for her, it’s also Vicky’s birthday today.' Another commented: 'And it’s their birthday... [crying face emoji] #Strictly #strictlyspoiler.' Others expressed sadness that Pattison and Sopal, who are close friends, had to compete against each other. One fan said: 'This has to be the most heartbreaking dance off so far. absolutely gutted for vicky and the fact the girls had to compete against each other.'
Speaking after her exit, Pattison said: '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.' She added: 'I don’t want to sound too cheesy but [to 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 and I’m so grateful.'
Pattison had previously become emotional on It Takes Two, saying she wanted to make it to the Blackpool special in honour of her late grandparents, who used to dance in Blackpool. She said: 'My grandma and grandad were the best people in the world, who are sadly no longer with us. Strictly was my grandma’s favourite show... I know she would’ve been my biggest supporter in this journey.'
