Holly’s famous friends have rallied around her family following her sister Darci’s deathCredit: Getty ImagesHeartbroken Holly shared the tragic news last weekCredit: InstagramFriends including Sophie and Charlotte have donated to help Holly and her familyCredit: Instagram
Now her famous friends have rallied around the family during the incredibly difficult time, The Sun can reveal.
An insider said: “Holly Hagan’s famous pals have donated thousands of pounds to help pay for her tragic sister’s funeral and memorial, and allow them some breathing space from work.
“Charlotte Crosby and her partner Jake Ankers have donated £2,000, Sophie Kasaei has given £1,000, Adam Frisby £1,000 and Gaz Beadle and Nathan Henry gave £500 each.”
“The last four days have been something I hope no family ever has to go through.
“We are traumatised in every sense of the word.
“One day we will share Darci’s story. But for now I please ask that you do respect our privacy and allow us to process what has happened.
“To the incredible ambulance crew, and everyone at Manchester Royal Infirmary A&E and ICU, thank you so much for giving my sister the absolute best chance.
“Because of you all we have had the opportunity to hold her hand, stroke her hair and feel her heart beating for the last time.
“We will forever be grateful for the way you have looked after her and us throughout this unimaginable process.”
Holly added: “Right now my job is to support my family in any way that I can to ensure they don’t have to worry about work/finances.
“Any posts you see this month are pre-recorded and scheduled ahead of time. I will be continuing to work, so they do not have to.”
The TV star then reflected on her late sister and recalled some of the fondest memories they shared together.
Holly continued: “Darci is so beautiful and she genuinely didn’t even realise it.
“I always told her she’d look better without the huge spider lashes but we all know what a hypocrite I was being since I wore nine pairs at her age!
“She lived in Darci world, forgetting to turn lights off, didn’t know how to lock doors after coming in from a night out, leaving the freezer open so my mam came down to a puddle of defrosted food.
“She was the best aunty, Alpha-Jax adored her. She spent his whole birthday on the bouncy castle with AJ and Alba, and that’s a memory I’ll cherish forever.”
Strictly Come Dancing star Vicky Pattison was left in tears as she spoke openly about her experience on the show, which she says is helping her become a ‘better version’ of herself
Vicky became emotional during Strictly(Image: BBC)
Vicky Pattison’s emotions poured out during Strictly Come Dancing’s icons week. The former Geordie Shore star, 37, reflected on the person she used to be and who she is now before she transformed into Cheryl Tweedy for an impressive routine.
As the pre-dance video rolled, Vicky said: “I first started out in this industry at about 21 and I made some bad decisions. I just don’t think at that age I had the tools to navigate that space I was in. Now I do my best to be a better version of myself – someone I can look in the mirror and feel alright about.”
She went on: “What I’ve learnt about myself is that with determination and a little bit of self-belief, you can achieve stuff.” As she opened up on her song choice for the week, Fight for this Love by the Girls Aloud star, Vicky tearfully added: “Apart from being a banger is a very important song to me. The whole idea that the comeback is greater than the setback.
“You can have the life you want. You can change the narrative. You can be who you want to be, not letting the past define you. I think that’s really powerful. I worked on myself and now I’m here in a place that makes us really happy and I’m finally becoming a woman I’m proud of.”
Following her dance, Vicky was left gobsmacked after her icon sent her a personal message. As Cheryl appeared on screen, the reality TV star couldn’t help but gasp and jump around as she was told she had been following her progress.
Cheryl congratulated her fellow Geordie before saying she was “honoured and humbled” to be her choice of icon. Cheryl added: “I know you’ve got it in you because you’re a Geordie.
“So go on, get out there. Fight for your place and I’m sending you loads of love. I’ll be rooting for you from home.” An elated Vicky joked it was amazing that Cheryl even knew who she was as she continued to showcase her disbelief at the message.
Earlier in the show, Ellie Goldstein also received a personal message of her own. After dancing a salsa to a Spice Girls medley dressed as Baby Spice, Emma Bunton surprised her with a touching message.
And fans spotted the sweet moment Ellie’s dance partner Vito Coppola moved to make sure she was okay. After staring down at the star, Vito appeared to wipe away a tear from her eye as the judges gave the duo positive feedback following their routine.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one user gushed: “Vito checking on Ellie and dabbing away a tear. #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing” They also added crying emoji faces to their comment.
Alex Kingston also transformed into Dolly Parton for an impressive routine alongside Johannes Radebe. And she too was treated to a personal message from her icon.
However, her moment came in private during training. It came about thanks to fellow celebrity dancer La Voix.
IT is often a shock when celebrities suddenly find themselves sprayed orange and squeezed into a skimpy outfit for Strictly.
But for proud Geordie Vicky Pattison it is not a problem, because that is how she has spent most Saturday nights since she was as a teenager.
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Vicky Pattison says that getting dolled up for Strictly is the least of her worries on the showCredit: Radio Times / Immediate Media Company London Ltd
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Former Geordie Shore star Vicky says the show’s tanning and glamour makes her feel at homeCredit: Alamy
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Vicky says she feels like she has the weight of the world on her shoulders with high expectations on the showCredit: PA
For the TV star, getting dolled up to the nines every weekend is not being Strictlyfied, it is just being a lass from Newcastle.
Vicky, 37, said: “Everybody knows I’m super nervous about this entire process, I’m just a gobby girl from the north east doing her best.
“The dancing, the being out my comfort zone, learning something new, being judged by the public is also terrifying.
“But the one element that made me feel really excited and I had no reservations about at all was definitely being Strictlyfied.
“I’m sorry but the tan, the hair, the glam! I’ve been preparing for this for like 25 years.
“Like, I didn’t even have to change my fake tan routine at all — this girl was ready.”
Although Vicky, who is partnered on this series with pro Kai Widdrington, admits she likes a party her blind spot is actually the dancing.
She said: “I’ve joked that this is the first time I’ve danced sober but it’s probably not that far from the truth.
“You normally see me at people’s parties at the bar or chewing someone’s ear off in the kitchen. Definitely the last place you’d find me is on the dance floor.
“Everyone is gonna think I’m a novice — and they’d be right. But I am ready for a challenge and desperate to prove myself and some people wrong along the way.”
Vicky Pattison breaks down in tears as she reveals secret battle ahead of Strictly Come Dancing debut
‘Reality TV scum’
Vicky admits people constantly underestimate her and in the 14 years since she shot to fame on MTV series Geordie Shore, has always been a bit of an underdog.
Cynics would do well to remember she won that contest after a substantial public vote.
She said: “Winning the jungle was the best moment of my life, maybe tied with the day that I got married to Ercan.
“Everybody just wanted us out initially. Obviously I was in there and in me bubble and I’m actually really grateful for that, you know.
“But I learned afterwards everyone was like: ‘Get her out. We don’t want her in here. Reality TV scum blah, blah, blah.’
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Vicky emerged as the winner on ITV’s ‘I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!’Credit: Rex Features
I’ve joked that this is the first time I’ve danced sober but it’s probably not that far from the truth. You normally see me at people’s parties at the bar . . . not on the dancefloor
“I don’t know what they thought I was gonna do like, go in there and down a Jaegerbomb and punch a kangaroo or something?
“I just wanted a chance to prove myself, to show people that I could be something different than what they’ve seen before.
“I just want to put my best SELF forward and within about 24 hours I was the favourite to win. I’m so proud of me achievement there.
“This is a very different ball game. I’m totally aware of that. But, like I say, I have always been the underdog and if people wanna get behind us, that is really nice.”
Although the public have yet to be fully won over by her dance on last week’s first live show, she finished in fifth place on the scoreboard — which is pretty impressive given she is one of 15 celebrities competing.
Meanwhile bookies Ladbrokes have her as favourite to win at 5/1, ahead of West End star Amber Davies and ex-footballer Karen Carney whose sensational jive saw her top the scoreboard last week.
Vicky said: “I can’t believe anyone would have us down as favourite in the lasses to win. I mean, have you seen the women in this competition? They’re all incredible.
“Amber’s amazing, did you see Kaz Carney’s jive on Saturday night? I mean, come on, that’s my winner right there!
“Bal is beautiful inside and out and just has so much rhythm. Alex is so theatrical and emotional when she dances it’s so beautiful.
“Ellie’s energy is infectious, just don’t even get us started on La Voix, you can’t look anywhere else when she’s on the stage.
“Maybe there’s a mistake there with those odds.”
Despite being up against the likes of Amber, who has appeared in 9 to 5 The Musical and stage show Back To The Future, plus Lewis Cope who was in the stage version of Billy Elliot, she feels no resentment.
Instead she adopts a more philosophical approach to the issue which pops up each series.
I don’t know what people thought I was gonna do in the jungle . . . like go in and down a Jaegerbomb and punch a kangaroo?
Vicky said: “Every year Strictly has people of different abilities, doesn’t it? Some people who have never danced before, totally inexperienced, and some people maybe did ballet before as kids, some people a bit more.
“I don’t think it’s a big problem.It’s part and parcel and there’s loads of different styles of dance isn’t there?
“Just because someone’s experienced in one, doesn’t mean they’re experienced in another.
“Also, I do think it’s nice for the viewers at home that they get to watch some really good dancers early doors, like you know when maybe the rest of us are just learning. There is some still really brilliant performances to watch and everyone goes on a journey.”
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Vicky says marrying husband Ercan Ramadan was one of the best days of her lifeCredit: David Dyson – Commissioned by The Sun
Vicky sees her journey continuing after she has completed Strictly, whether that is after this weekend’s first eviction, or after potentially making her way to the final.
But she admits wherever her career goes, it won’t be in dance. She said: “I honestly haven’t thought past getting through the first week.
“Like if I managed to stay in on Saturday I’ll be shocked and over the moon.
“I certainly haven’t got any Grand Designs on being a West End star or, you know, pivoting into the world of performing. There’s far more deserving and better people than me. I’m a big fan of Strictly, I’ve watched it since I was a kid.
“I watched it with me grandma — it was me grandma’s favourite. I think that’s why I’m doing it, great big tick off the bucket list.
“But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping it would take us to different opportunities.
“The BBC is British institution, it’s a great channel. I would love to make more TV with them so, yeah, maybe I am hoping it will lead to more things but probably not in the dance space to be totally honest.”
Vicky and Kai will be dancing a foxtrot to the track Rein Me In tonight, which has special meaning as its by Sam Fender who she describes as “a Geordie legend.”
She added: “I feel like I’ve got the weight of the world on my shoulders trying to do, like, all the Northeast proud, Ercan proud, Kai proud, myself and my family proud.
“I’m absolutely terrified. Everyone keeps saying like, ‘Oh do you feel a bit better now you’ve got the first show and the first live dance done?’ I’m like, no I’m not.
“I’m still nervous. I can actually go home you know. It’s just like we’re dancing for fun. It’s not even a pre-record, we’re live and I’m just not ready.
“I’m not ready to say goodbye to people. I’m not ready for this journey to be over so I actually feel sick to my stomach about it.
“By nature, I’m not a very confident person, despite appearances.”
Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One today at 6.20pm.
REALITY TV stars Jack Fincham and Aaron Chalmers fought each other in a dramatic bare knuckle fight last night.
The pair – who both have a colourful roster of exes – went head to head in a huge reality super fight and it was was Aaron who came out on top, stopping Jack in round two.
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The former Geordie Shore star took on ex-Love Islander Jack FinchamCredit: Instagram / @finchamboxing
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Aaron stopped Jack in round twoCredit: Instagram / @finchamboxing
Jack, 34 – who hasn’t fought since a 2022 exhibition bout against Anthony Taylor – found fame in 2019 on ITV2dating show Love Island.
However, Aaron dismissed the claims, and told The Sun’s Bizarre column: “Apparently I spat food at Lauren. 1. I am not a tramp 2. If I spat food at her she would knock us out and 3. I wouldn’t waste food.”
NICOLE BASS
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Geordie Shore’s Aaron found brief love with Lewis Bloor’s ex Nicole BassCredit: Instagram
The man magnet has allegedly had sex with at least thirteen Premier League footballers thought to include Mario Balotelli.
Frisky pair Jenny and Aaron shot to the bedroom quickly after meeting – mainly to wind up their exes.
He told the camera: “I’ve got the keys to the penthouse. I wanna sh*g Jenny and I couldn’t give a f**k if that hurts Becca. Let’s get some f**king action going.”
Despite Jenny and Aaron’s on-air bonk on EOTB, they are just pals.
CHANTELLE CONNELLY
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Geordie Shore stars Chantelle and Aaron got matching tattoos after one dateCredit: Flynet Pictures
Geordie Shore star Chantelle and Aaron immediately struck up a connection when she joined the cast in 2016.
They first got together in 2019 and moved into their first home together back in May 2024.
The pair have repeatedly split and got back together during the course of their two-year relationship, but this time they were said to be at loggerheads.
The pair were locked in an ongoing feud overChloe’s decision to continue making money from OnlyFans.
The Essex-based beauty caught Aaron’s eye with her sexy Instagram pics and the pair’s relationship blossomed online and they were thought to be Maldives-bound.
However, by May, he was seen getting frisky with old flame Marnie, suggesting their romance was dead in the water/Indian Ocean.
The Geordie Shore star is desperate to break free of her reality TV ties and become a respected broadcaster
Vicky Pattison has told how the stress of appearing on BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing is overwhelming her. The reality TV star wept as she confessed her fear that certain members of the audience weren’t ever going to take to her.
“I am still just trying to change the opinions of people who will never like me, who are convinced I’m nothing but that girl from Geordie Shore, that I’m never gonna be any better.,” she wept. “I’m wasting my time trying to pander to these people.”
Speaking to her co-host Angela Scanlon on their podcast Get a Grip, Vicky cried: “All this can’t go on. I feel like I’ve just been walking around in this haze for so long pretending to be happy and all the rest of it and I’m not. I wanna prove to people that I can do it.”
Vicky and Angela launched their podcast earlier this year(Image: Amanda Akokhia )
With just three weeks until the first live instalment of the BBC ballroom show, Vicky said she’d been having therapy sessions with This Morning’s resident counsellors the Speakmans, to help her come to terms with the challenge ahead.
She explained: “I pretty much cried for three hours straight. It started off ‘why I’m so stressed about Strictly?’ I was like, I want to prove to people I can do it, that I’m more than just a reality TV star, and I want to be a TV presenter eventually.
“I want to make my family proud, they love it. I want to have a nice home, financial security, I want to go on nice holidays. I think this could be a step to that.” When Angela pointed out that she already has these things, Vicky, 37, cried: “It’s all about how you see yourself, isn’t it?”
Her frustration is that she’s remembered for shows like Ex on the Beach or Celebrity Coach Trip. “What I want to be is Vicky the Television Presenter. Vicky the Respected Author. Vicky the Valued Broadcaster. Eventually, I want people to be more interested in the quality of my work than the details of my life. It’s a difficult jump to make.”
Vicky attended the Baftas in May with her husband Ercan Ramadan (Image: Getty)
Interiors presenter Angela, who took part in Strictly two years ago, has hosted the podcast with Vicky since May. The aim is to explore pop culture and the “ridiculous expectations placed on women” in unfiltered chats every Thursday.
Vicky, 37, was crowned Queen of the Jungle on I’m A Celebrity …Get Me Out of Here! in 2015. After being unveiled as one of this year’s Strictly contestants she admitted she’d been secretly plotting her stint on the dance series for years, using a vision board.
Her long-term aim is to follow in the footsteps of documentary maker Stacey Dooley. “I want to film hard-hitting documentaries and talk about issues that I’m passionate about, like women’s reproductive health, women’s safety, and so many other issues that affect us.”
Strictly Come Dancing star Vicky Pattison took to social media to show her fans the painful after-effects of a gruelling week training for her debut on the hit BBC show
Vicky Pattison has been training hard for her Strictly debut(Image: @vickypattison/instagram)
A Strictly Come Dancing star has shown off the painful results of her training schedule just days into rehearsals for the show. Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison has been busy preparing for the new season of Strictly, which is due to get underway in weeks. She took to Instagram to share images of her extremely sore-looking feet after her first week of rehearsals.
Her painfully swollen, cut, and blistered feet had fans feeling squeamish as she shared pictures and wrote, “And so it begins,” adding a crying and laughing emoji. In a second upload, Vicky discussed how strenuous preparations for the live shows were, and she admitted feeling like she had been “hit by a car”, and that she had found “dancing so hard.”
She said, “Our first @bbcstrictly rehearsal… The start of the day versus… the end.It certainly was a baptism of fire lads… that’s for sure! If I was doubting my ability before.. then I REALLY am now!!! Dancing is SO HARD!”
Vicky then praised the Strictly professional dancing team as she continued, “No wonder those pros are all drop dead gorgeous. I feel like I’ve been hit by a car and I’ve already got blisters.. WTF???
Vicky showed off her sore looking foot(Image: @vickypattison/instagram)
“A serious newfound appreciation for everyone who’s ever taken part! BUT… what an amazing day, the team are incredible, the celebs are so wonderful ,and the pros are an absolute joy.”
She added, “If I hang around long enough… I think I’ll really love my new family. I’m off to think about my life choices and apologise to all the fellas I stepped all over today!”
Vicky’s post comes after Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn was confirmed as the 15th name on the celebrity competitor line-up. The star is best known for having appeared on the HBO fantasy series as Hodor, and also works as a DJ.
He will now be preparing to take to the dancefloor and put his footwork to the test for viewers and judges Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke as the fan favourite returns for its 23rd series.
Vicky admitted feeling worn out by the gruelling schedule(Image: @vickypattison/instagram)
Other stars taking to the dancefloor include former Love Island star Dani Dyer, actress Alex Kingston, EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal, legendary footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, TikTokker George Clarke, Drag Race star La Voix, model Ellie Goldstein, and rugby star Chris Robshaw.
The line-up also includes Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, also known as Nitro, The Apprentice contestant Thomas Skinner, Good Morning Britain’s Ross King, Lioness Karen Carney and Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis.
The news comes after Strictly has faced a fresh scandal after claims of cocaine use by two show stars, with reports suggesting their substance use was an open secret on the show.
It follows a rocky few controversial years of allegations of backstage bullying, misconduct claims and several stars being axed or suspended by the BBC over their behaviour.
Former TOWIE star Pete Wicks dazzled on the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor last year. It’s thought one of his famous pals is set to follow in his footsteps and take part in the 2025 series
A friend of 2024 Strictly Come Dancing star Pete Wicks is reportedly ready to follow in their pal’s footsteps (Image: BBC)
Reality TV star Vicky Pattison is reportedly ready to add Strictly Come Dancing to her lengthy TV CV. The former Geordie Shore star, who has pivoted into making documentaries over recent years, is apparently set to get her dancing shoes on ready for the BBC show’s new series.
Vicky, who was crowned Queen of the Jungle in 2025, was on hand to support pal Pete Wicks during his time on the dancefloor last year. The former Geordie Shore’s appearances in the audience didn’t go unnoticed by BBC bosses, who liked what they saw.
“She has great energy and will no doubt be a hit with the viewers,” an insider of said of Vicky, who is reportedly ready to step out of her comfort zone and learn a new skill.
Vicky Pattison and Pete Wicks have a close bind
A source close to the 37-year-old said: “She’s had a continuing rise in popularity and her TV work is going from strength to strength after presenting a serious Channel Four documentary and appearing on Celebrity Gogglebox.”
Speaking to The Sun, they added: “It’s a no-brainer they want to sign her up” The Mirror has approached the BBC and representatives for Vicky for comment on this story.
Pete isn’t the only former Strictly Come Dancing star Vicky is pals with. In May, it was announced that Vicky would launch podcast inspired by ‘female comradery; with Angela Scanlon, who finished in sixth place during the 2023 series.
Vicky and Angela will discuss topics including motherhood and internet drama as the hosts of a new podcast titled Get A Grip. The catalyst for the podcast was “female comradery in the face of the ridiculous”, according to Virgin Radio UK host Angela.
“Being told to ‘get a grip’ is not a new notion for most women, and is something I’ve experienced a couple of times (a week!), as has Vicky,” the 41-year-old said.
“Female comradery in the face of the ridiculous was the catalyst for our new podcast. We wanted to create a fun and empowering space where we can unpick the good, the bad and the bizarre happenings in the world each week as we move through our own lives loudly, unashamedly and maybe a little unhinged.
“We’re taking the group chat into the pod world and we can’t wait for you to come with us!” Vicky added: “For those who know me by now I am never one to shy away from expressing myself whether people want to hear it or not!
“So I’m thrilled that I get to do that alongside my partner in crime as we do our best to keep things real and put the world to rights with lots of laughter along the way. I have no doubt we will be bringing a lot of you along with us too.”
Speaking about Pete’s Strictly stint last year, Vicky said: “Like when I found out Pete was doing it, the first thing I did was ring him and see if he was OK.
“Because me and him are more like stand in the corner, drink and have a laugh than you know, centre of the dance floor people. And he was saying he was really nervous, and I think that’s how I’ll be.”
