Former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison continues to dazzle audiences each week on Strictly Come Dancing, but behind the glittering performances lies a significant personal challenge the 37-year-old has had to overcome.
Conquering Anxiety on the Dance Floor
Speaking candidly to The Mirror, Pattison revealed that managing her anxiety has been her biggest hurdle since joining the glitzy ballroom competition. 'I was really shocked at how all-consuming it was at first,' she admitted. 'I'd be visibly shaking and, yeah, there were a lot of tears.'
Partnered with professional dancer Kai Widdrington, 30, Vicky found solace in his reassuring words before each performance. 'And Kai does this lovely thing – he turns to me before we go out on the dance floor and says, "We're just dancing. Just me and you – just dance with me",' she shared, describing his support as 'so powerful and so lovely' that the outside pressure simply 'drifts away.'
She hopes her journey inspires others, adding: 'Maybe watching me do this, though I'm really scared, will give people faith that they can do amazing things if they go outside their comfort zone.'
Family Support and Future Plans
As her hopes of lifting the coveted Glitterball Trophy grow stronger, Vicky, who married businessman Ercan Ramadan, 32, in August last year, opened up about her life choices. She joked that at the start of the year, it was a toss-up between having a baby or competing on Strictly.
'When she got the call for Strictly, she said Ercan was 'over the moon',' though she confirmed that starting a family is definitely planned for next year.
Her husband has become her biggest supporter, with Vicky detailing his devoted care: waking her with electrolytes and collagen before 'Strictly school', texting during rehearsals about dinner plans, and being the 'best dog dad'.
Addressing the show's infamous 'Strictly curse', Vicky humorously noted the opposite effect in her case, revealing that Ercan and Kai have developed their own 'bromance' and that Kai has been warmly welcomed by her family and friends.
Dance Progress and Presenter Tributes
Over the past six weeks, Vicky's dance abilities have flourished significantly. Kai Widdrington gushed about her remarkable progress, stating that if he had shown her during their first rehearsal what she can achieve now, she wouldn't have believed it. Vicky herself admitted she initially struggled to even clap in time during the first group dance.
Her standout performances include a stunning American Smooth, a Couple's Choice routine to Cheryl's hit 'Fight For This Love', and a sizzling Samba. The experience became even more magical when her idol, Cheryl, sent a personal message of support, which Vicky described as one of the 'best moments' of her life.
She also credited her best friend, Pete Wicks, 37 – who reached the semi-finals last year with Jowita Przystal, 31 – as her 'biggest cheerleader', noting that he attends performances and calls every show day to check in.
The article also paid tribute to departing hosts Tess Daly, 56, and Claudia Winkleman, 53, who announced they will leave after this series. Vicky praised the duo for their contribution to women in television, calling their departure 'the end of an era'. Their final appearance together will be on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special airing on December 25.
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday at 6:25pm followed by the results show on Sunday at 7:15pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
