Former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison has opened up about how her time on Strictly Come Dancing provided the perfect preparation for motherhood, helping her overcome lifelong body confidence issues.
From Self-Doubt to Self-Acceptance
In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Mirror, the 38-year-old television personality confessed to battling self-doubt about her appearance "from a criminally young age." She revealed she first became aware of her body at just 11 years old. However, participating in the BBC's flagship dance competition last year proved to be a transformative experience.
"I can honestly say Strictly's helped me really feel a level of contentment and comfort about my body," Vicky stated. "I'm not worried about what my legs look like or my cellulite or anything like that. The whole show is a celebration of what your body is physically capable of."
Ready for the Next Chapter with Ercan
This newfound confidence has come at a pivotal moment, as Vicky and her husband, Ercan Ramadan, whom she married in August 2024, are now ready to start a family. Speaking during rehearsals for the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour, she expressed a mix of excitement and natural apprehension.
"I'm so ready," she said. "I do worry about our dynamic changing because I'm very happy as it is. But I turned 38 back in November and with these things, you don't have the luxury of time." She added that by this time next year, they might have started their family, "if we're blessed enough to be able to do so."
Strictly's Lasting Impact Beyond the Dance Floor
Vicky, who was partnered with professional dancer Kai Widdrington and will reunite with him for the 30-date nationwide tour, described the experience as the "final piece of the puzzle" in her personal growth. Despite a rollercoaster journey on the show—topping the leaderboard in week seven only to be eliminated the following week—the benefits were profound.
The experience equipped her with the confidence to host Stand Up for Cancer alongside presenting heavyweights like Clare Balding and Davina McCall, a task she believes would have previously overwhelmed her. When asked about the potential hosting vacancies on Strictly itself, she was humble: "If I ever got the call, I would feel unbelievably flattered... but I do think there's probably a queue of people far more qualified."
For now, her focus is on the live tour, which kicks off in Birmingham next weekend and will visit arenas from Glasgow to London's O2, culminating in a special homecoming performance in Newcastle. She plans to perform her Cheryl Tweedy-inspired Couple's Choice routine there, hoping the Geordie crowd's energy will make it amazing.
While excited, Vicky admits the judges—Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood in particular—still strike fear into her heart. She joked that she's looking forward to seeing fellow contestant La Voix give them some "back chat" during the tour shows.
Ultimately, Vicky hopes her transparent journey with anxiety and nerves on Strictly has inspired others. "I think by showing my vulnerabilities and my fear... hopefully I've encouraged some other people to get out there and do something that scares them," she reflected. "Because on the other side of that fear is something amazing."
