Former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison has undergone a remarkable transformation on this year's Strictly Come Dancing, evolving from a self-confessed nervous wreck into a confident performer captivating the nation.
Her professional partner, Kai Widdrington, believes she possesses all the necessary skills to potentially win the entire competition. He proudly describes the warm and straight-talking celebrity as "the beating heart of the celeb group this year".
Overcoming Anxiety and Building a Bond
The 37-year-old, who married businessman Ercan Ramadan in August, has been remarkably open about her battle with severe anxiety since joining the show. However, she now happily reports that she is "turning a corner" and hopes her journey will inspire others to be braver.
Vicky admits that her Saturday nights could have looked very different this year, revealing she had given her husband an ultimatum at the start of 2025: "I'm either gonna do Strictly, a second series of Honesty Box or we're going to have a baby." Ercan was reportedly "over the moon" when she got the call for the dancing show.
Seeing how caring Ercan has been while she juggles the intense Strictly schedule has convinced Vicky he will make an amazing father. "So yes, kids are definitely on the cards next year," she confirms.
A Supportive Husband and an Unlikely Bromance
Vicky cherishes her "sacred" Sundays at home with Ercan and their two dogs, describing her husband as her "anchor" who "spoils me rotten." She detailed his morning routine of waking her with electrolytes and collagen, ready for "Strictly school," praising him for the "progressive" role reversal.
Meanwhile, a lovely bond has formed between Kai and Ercan. Vicky reveals the two men have a "little bromance going," often talking about football. Kai has gone down "a storm" with her entire family and friends.
From Novice to Samba-Loving Star
Kai, who started dancing at nine, admits he had no preconceptions about Vicky other than knowing she was a complete novice. He is visibly delighted by her progress, stating, "If I'd shown her what she's achieved in our most recent dances, she wouldn't have believed it."
Vicky herself finds her development "mindblowing," recalling how she initially struggled to clap on time. She has since mastered dances including the American Smooth and the notoriously tricky samba, calling herself a "big, samba-loving Geordie."
A standout moment was receiving a personal message of support from Cheryl, whom she has idolised since her teens. "That was one of the best moments of my life," Vicky says. "I might only top it when I have my first kid."
The synergy between the dance partners is palpable. Vicky credits Kai for knowing how to get the best out of her, and he, in turn, has a special way of calming her nerves. "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 shares. "It's so powerful."
She hopes they will be friends for life, joking that he might even attend her 81st birthday party. Kai confirms their strong partnership, noting he is never worried because "she always pulls it out of the bag."
Looking ahead, Vicky feels that taking part in Strictly has shown her that the sky is the limit. "If I can dance on Strictly, there's nothing I can't do," she declares, proving that stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to incredible triumphs.
