Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Vicky Pattison has made a candid admission about her recent departure from the hit BBC series, revealing she had a strong feeling her time on the show was coming to an end.
The Emotional Departure
The television personality was eliminated from the competition last weekend alongside her professional partner Kai Widdrington after losing the dance-off to Balvinder Sopal and her partner Julian. Both couples found themselves in the bottom two, forcing the judges to make the difficult decision about who would continue to the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom week.
Speaking to host Tess Daly immediately after her exit was confirmed, Pattison shared heartfelt words about her Strictly journey. "It was so lovely while it lasted, and I've had the nicest time," she expressed. "I knew this week was a difficult one for me, and I tried my hardest as I have every week."
Reflecting on the Journey
The former I'm A Celebrity winner displayed remarkable self-awareness about her limitations in the competition. "Listen, I didn't think I'd get past week one," she admitted. "And I'm really honoured to have shared this experience with so many amazing people. Mostly with this fella right here."
Pattison paid special tribute to her dance partner, adding: "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."
Behind the Scenes Revelations
During an appearance on Strictly's sister show It Takes Two, Pattison provided further insight into her emotional state following the elimination. She revealed that a thoughtful gift from friend Angela Scanlon - a large picture of her and Kai during their leaderboard-topping Tango - reduced her to tears.
Professional dancer Kai Widdrington also shared his perspective on their unexpected departure. "It was tough, because we weren't expecting it - we were hoping to get through," he confessed. "For us, it was a tough moment - as we weren't used to it."
Pattison expanded on this, acknowledging her ongoing battle with nerves throughout the competition. "We all knew - even though I've come on leaps and bounds in my nerves - I'm still an anxious girlie," she stated. "The writing was on the wall. I don't have a dance-off in my locker."
Fan Reaction and Schedule Changes
The television star's absence from the usual Monday night interview slot on It Takes Two had initially puzzled viewers. However, sources confirmed this was pre-arranged due to birthday celebrations with family and friends that the BBC had approved in advance.
Strictly fans have expressed significant disappointment about Pattison's early exit, with some even suggesting she should return to the competition following La Voix's injury-induced withdrawal. Many viewers have described her departure as "the worst exit ever" from the popular dancing competition.
Despite her elimination, Pattison maintained a positive outlook about her Strictly experience, telling Tess Daly: "I'll miss everybody. I enjoyed it loads more than I thought I was going to. And I know I let my nerves get in the way - Shirley, you are right - and I will proper beat myself up over that. But I've never danced before sober and here I am - sober as a judge!"
