Vicky Pattison has ‘confirmed’ the first star of next year’s Strictly Come Dancing as she revealed she will be in the front row every week to watch close pal Dani Dyer ‘smash it’
Jessica Clarke Digital Reporter
16:23, 26 Oct 2025
Dani, 29, and Vicky struck a close friendship during their training(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Strictly‘s Vicky Pattison appears to have confirmed the first contestant of next year’s series as she stated her friend Dani Dyer will return to the dance floor, after she had to pull out of the competition last minute due to an injury.
Dani, 29, and Vicky struck a close friendship during their training for the BBC dance show and have publicly supported each other online. Dani, who was initially paired with show pro Nikita Kuzmin, 27, was left gutted after she had to suddenly leave the show and her friends, just days before her first dance.
While she is unable to dance, she showed up on Saturday evening to support her fellow stars and praised Vicky on her routine to Fight for This Love by Cheryl for Icons Week.
Dani shared a series of images on her Instagram, including a sweet snap cuddling an emotional Vicky. She wrote in the caption: “So happy I got to watch @bbcstrictly last night.. missed you all and so proud. And my beautiful @vickypattison just love you so much and watching you live was just PERFECT!! love you all loads.”
Vicky was quick to comment back and appeared to confirm that Dani will be on next year’s series. She wrote: “I love you so much mate, my girl!!! I will be front row every week next year watching you SMASH IT”. Vicky also reposted the image to her stories, where she repeated that she ‘can’t wait’ to watch Dani next year.
It came after Vicky’s emotions poured out before her latest performance, as she reflected on the person she used to be and who she is now, before transforming 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 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 the performance, which racked up a score of 33 from the judges, Cheryl congratulated her fellow Geordie before saying she was “honoured and humbled” to be her choice of icon.
Cheryl sweetly said: “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.”
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.
Strictly Come Dancing contestant Vicky Pattison has confessed to putting a halt on sex with her husband Ercan Ramadan
The Strictly Come Dancing star has invoked a sex ban with her husband
Strictly Come Dancing star Vicky Pattison has revealed she’s put a stop to bedroom antics with her husband while taking part in the BBC dance competition.
After achieving her best score of the series last weekend, bagging an impressive 29 points with professional partner Kai Widdrington for their spectacular Samba, Vicky and Kai have secured their place in Icons Week.
During a recent episode of the Get A Grip podcast, the 37-year-old confessed she’s steered clear of physical intimacy with her other half since starting on the show.
The frank admission came as Vicky outlined the demanding nature of the programme’s early weeks, explaining: “One minute you’re nervous, you’re messing up your dress rehearsal, you’re getting your period, you’re nearly throwing up behind the scenes because you’re so nervous.”
As Vicky shared her journey, the presenter quickly jumped in with: “Are you pregnant?”, reports Wales Online, reports Wales Online.
But Vicky cheekily responded that her husband hasn’t caught sight of her “lady bits in months”: “No, you’d have to s**g me to get pregnant, mate. Poor Ercan hasn’t seen the sight of my lady bits in months. He’s honestly sick of us.
“I’m like, ‘Well, you’re not getting any now, I’m doing Strictly, mate.'”.
Vicky has also confessed the pressure to start a family has been overwhelming.
Speaking on the Women’s Health Just as Well podcast with Gemma Atkinson and Claire Sanderson, she shared: “My mum told me ‘If not having children is your trajectory, that’s fine,’ which I thought was powerful. I think we’re coming around to the idea as a society that a woman doesn’t have to have children to be fulfilled – and, for me, there’s still a huge question mark over motherhood.
She further added: “I’ve worked to finally get to a place where I’m proud of who I’m becoming, and the thought of taking a break… it scares me.”
Vicky Pattison left fans in stitches after her Strictly partner Kai Widdrington exposed how she acts during rehearsals on the Get A Grip podcast
Strictly Come Dancing star Vicky Pattison’s partner Kai Widdrington has revealed a hilarious behind-the-scenes habit.
Appearing together on the Get A Grip podcast hosted by Angela Scanlon, 41, and the TV star, 30, Kai teased that his celebrity partner pulls funny facial expressions during training. “We discovered this week the ‘Stank face’,” the 30-year-old joked. “When she’s really trying she’ll (acts it out).”
To which Vicky replied: “It’s like a toddler doing a poo. It’s awful. And I am not proud of it. I’m really upset.” Angela chimed in, “It is like an upside-down puppy,” while Vicky agreed, laughing, “Yeah… it’s like an old man.” This week, Vicky has been candid about the pressures of the competition. In a recent interview with Women’s Health UK, the 37-year-old admitted training has felt like “a baptism of fire.”
“All the pros are carved like angels, and I’m there sweating away in my gym gear,” she said.
“It’s both intimidating and overwhelming. But as you get older, you don’t often get the opportunity to get out of your comfort zone. I like to prove I’m capable.”
While she’s built physical strength through weight training, Pilates, and charity treks, Vicky fears it’s the cardio that might hold her back. “Everyone is so fit,” she added.
Reflecting on her earlier reality TV days, Vicky said she felt less pressure entering the I’m A Celebrity… jungle in 2015, saying, “When you went into the jungle, everyone thought you were an arsehole, but you knew you could go in and change people’s perceptions,” a friend once told her.
“Now I’ve spent 10 years working to show people that I was young, making mistakes, and I wasn’t the best version of myself… I’m scared that under this spotlight, I’ll mess up.”
The Heart radio presenter also revealed she’s returned to therapy. “Maybe it’s working-class feelings of being undeserving. Maybe it’s deep-rooted self-doubt. I don’t know what it is, but it’s all come back,” she said.
Last week on Strictly Come Dancing, the Geordie Shore star and her partner performed a Gatsby‑themed Charleston and earned a total of 25 points from the judges, despite receiving mixed feedback from the judges.
Vicky Pattison has explained why her husband, Ercan Ramadan, is desperate for her to be booted from Strictly Come Dancing – and the impact the show is having on their married life
Vicky Pattison’s husband, Ercan Ramadan, wants her to be axed from the show(Image: Getty Images for BFC)
Vicky Pattison says husband Ercan Ramadan secretly hopes she gets the Strictly boot – so he can see more of his wife again. She says the couple have barely been together since she started on the BBC show as she trains for 14 hours a day – and it’s taken its toll on their sex life.
“After a full day doing the Charleston the last thing you feel like is going home to do the Mattress Mambo,” I’m A Celebrity winner Vicky laughed.
“He’s having to be a bit patient at the moment. I think he’s the only person in my inner circle who is secretly hoping I get booted out. He’s my number one supporter though. I am really lucky but he’s probably hoping he gets sex soon.”
Vicky, 37, admits she’s been miffed with Ercan, 32, this week after he jetted off on holiday without her. “He’s actually in the dog house at the moment,” she admitted. “Obviously I love my husband but he’s been on holiday to see his family.
“We had this trip booked and then I got Strictly so I told him to go because all I’ve been doing is rehearsing, coming home knackered, whinging and going to bed. I told him to go away because he deserved a break putting up with me.
“So he went and I’ve been coming home to an empty house. He’s not there. The dogs are in day care because I’m working 14-hours a day. I’m coming home alone and it’s dark and cold.
“You need that normality coming home to your lovely partner or your dogs when you are out of your comfort zone, scared, lonely, working hard. It’s been really hard without him but he’s back now.”
Dancing the Charleston to A Little Party Never Killed Nobody from The Great Gatsby, Vicky and partner Kai Widd have been getting lots of good luck messages from their celeb pals.
Angela Rippon, who danced with Kai last year, sent her best wishes to the pair. “We did have a call from Angela,” said Kai, 30. “She gave Vicky some words of advice.”
“She’s wicked for an older bird,” said Vicky. Kai continued: “I made it to Blackpool with Angela and I hope to think Vicky and I can go further. Vicky is what Strictly is all about. No dance experience. Starting from scratch. We have such a great relationship.”
Vicky has been open about her struggles with anxiety but say Kai has been amazing at settling her nerves.
“He does say this really lovely thing to me each week, he says: ‘It’s just me and you dancing’, and that helps because I get in my head. Everything I’ve learnt in the week just goes out of me head. I’m thinking about the judges, the audience, the people at home, all the things that are out of my control. So he’s a really good egg like that.”
It’s been a tough week for the pair, as they battled illness. Vicky also suffered a chipped tooth and a cut to the face after having a fall in rehearsals practising a “spicy lift”.
Undeterred, Vicky ploughed on and is eyeing up her best score yet this weekend, with a cheeky plan to try and get it. “I’ve been flirting with Anton (Du Beke),” she revealed. “I just want a seven and I’ve been flirting with him but he’s not bothered.”
Watch the Strictly results tonight at 7.15pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
VICKY Pattison’s next Strictly performance is hanging in the balance, as she revealed she has been battling a “mystery bug”, hours before the next live show.
Former Geordie Shore star Vicky, 37, has revealed she has been battling an illness this week whilst trying to rehearse for tomorrow night’s show.
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Vicky Pattison revealed she is battling a ‘mystery bug’Credit: Instagram
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The star shared the news on Instagram todayCredit: Instagram
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Vicky has been wowing on the Strictly dance floorCredit: Instagram
Vicky, who is partnered on this series with pro Kai Widdrington, took to Instagram to reveal her plight.
The star shared two pics of herself – one looking glam, the other looking a bit exhausted.
Vicky wrote next to the snaps: “Can we just take a moment for my glam team, stylist and the strictly angels who helped turn me from this feral little rat who looks like they live under a bridge and demands riddles to cross into THIS???!!
“Lads it’s been a WEEK… strictly rehearsals, mystery bug, VT’s, Erc away, my clothing collection launch… and I just don’t want anyone thinking I look too glam to give a damn all the time..
“I just thought it was important to show you all both sides of the coin… she LOVES to be a glam girly don’t get me wrong but there’s a hell of a lot of the time I look more like an exhausted little troll.”
The reality star wowed on the dancefloor last weekend, but was shown looking very anxious before she performed.
Vicky told us: “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.
Vicky Pattison breaks down in tears as she reveals secret battle ahead of Strictly Come Dancing debut
“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.”
Vicky also admitted that 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.
It was something the popular star also faced when she was a contestant on ITV’s I’m a Celebrity a decade ago.
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.’
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.
VICKY Pattison and Dani Dyer’s dad Danny have rallied around her after she was forced to quit Strictly Come Dancing due to injury.
Strictly contestant Vicky and actor Danny led the stars sharing messages of support on Instagram last night after the Love Islander broke the news of her exit.
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Vicky Pattison has thrown her support behind pal Dani Dyer after her devastating early exit from Strictly Come DancingCredit: Instagram/vickypattison
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Vicky posted a string of photos from behind the scenes on the BBC showCredit: Instagram/vickypattison
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Danny also showed his support on his daughter’s postCredit: Instagram
Mum-of-three Dani was due to perform in her first live show on Saturday night with professional partner Nikita Kuzmin, but said: “I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny.
“I thought I had rolled my foot but it swelled up badly over the weekend and after an MRI scan yesterday, it turns out I have fractured my ankle.”
Dani, 29, continued: “Apparently doing the Quickstep on a fracture is not advisable and the doctors have said I am not allowed to dance, so I’ve had to pull out of the show.
“To say I’m heartbroken is the biggest understatement.
“I am so going to miss dancing with Nikita but will of course be watching closely and cheering all the couples on.”
Her dad left a broken-heart emoji beneath her post, and Vicky replied, saying: “Absolutely devastated for you Dani.
“I’m going to miss you so much… Love you loads x”
The ex-Geordie Shore star added a string of photos of them together in a separate post on her Instagram grid.
She revealed they formed a close bond during their time together on the show.
Vicky said: “I am absolutely gutted for you!! I have loved every minute of our little @bbcstrictly journey together and I’m devastated this is the end..
Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood reveals his surprising ‘favourite’ star ahead of tomorrow’s launch
“But I know you’ll be back next year with your incredible energy, amazing dance skills and beautiful soul… AND YOU’LL SMASH IT!!!
“I’m already peanut butter and jealous of whatever lucky sod gets to be your dressing room buddy… because you’re the best roomie ever.
“Love you mate and wishing you a speedy recovery… this series won’t be the same without you…”
Dani replied: “Going to miss you, love you millions.”
Just days ago Dani shared her nerves ahead of the live shows.
She said last week: “I’m absolutely petrified about dancing live on Saturday nights.”
Speaking to The Sun about her upcoming Strictly adventure, she was asked if her famous dad Danny Dyer was going to watch – and if he would get emotional.
The mum-of-three revealed: “He’s going to. He will try and keep it together. Him and my mum are making a little date day of it.
“They’re coming on the launch show together. They’re really excited.”
Asked whether she could persuade The Football Factory star to do Strictly in the future, she said: “When it [Strictly] was announced, someone said Dani Dyer is doing it – they thought it was my dad. It’s not Danny Dyer – it’s the other one.
EX-I’m A Celebrity winner Vicky Pattison is finding Strictly rehearsals difficult and admits: “I’d take kangaroo balls over glitter balls any day. I’m really done in.”
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.”
INDEPENDENT travel agency, InteleTravel, is answering questions about their business practices after The Sun’s investigation shined a light on the true cost of joining their organisation to sell travel.
With glamorous celebrities like Strictly’s Vicky Pattison and TOWIE’s Jess Wright promoting the scheme on their huge social platforms, it was revealed they could be earning over £200,000 as fans sign up to the scheme.
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InteleTravel is answering questions about their business practices after The Sun’s investigationCredit: Instagram
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Real Housewives of Cheshire’s Tanya Bardsley also promotes the holiday companyCredit: Instagram
However, our report showed that almost 90 per cent of people don’t make a single penny working as an Independent Travel Agent (ITA) – with many ending up out of pocket.
Those selling travel through the Vicky’s Vacay team will almost certainly have signed up with recruitment firm, PlaNet Marketing, who are a separate company to InteleTravel.
Even though they are different companies, The Sun could find no way of joining InteleTravel without signing up to PlaNet Marketing and paying an initial fee of £140 and then £30 per month thereafter.
Industry experts TTG, have reported that since The Sun called for clarity on how many Brits are affected negatively by joining the scheme, InteleTravel is now reviewing its partnership with the US-headquartered company that recruits agents on its behalf.
In our report, we looked at how likely it is for everyday women and fans of these glamourous celebrities to earn money selling holidays to their friends and family for a small commission.
Social media messaging flaunting a jet-set lifestyle and ability to ‘be your own boss’ is rife on platforms like Instagram.
And it’s not just the celebrities who are at it.
Many ITAs who say they make ‘big money’ from selling travel are, in fact, doing so with an elaborate recreruitment downline.
This means anyone they sign up to their ‘team’ must pay them a commission, as well as the commission to InteleTravel – an ABTA-approved travel agency – on anything they go on to sell.
InteleTravel came under criticism as recruiters for the network, appear to approach people, most-often women and mums, on social media.
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Subtle messaging, which some women who spoke to The Sun allege they are trained for, is used to lure new agents in by telling them a glamorous lifestyle can be achieved while on their family holiday.
It’s heavily implied that a huge salary can be achieved while being a full-time mum or working in another job.
A recruiter told our reporter that she earned £27,000 alongside her full time job in a different sector.
Tricia Handley-Hughes, InteleTravel’s UK and Ireland managing director, insisted the agency’s partnership with PlanNet Marketing had “not run its course” but added: “discussions need to take place”.
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Jess Wright is another celeb who has become the face of InteleTravelCredit: Instagram
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Jess Wright showed off her team on an Instagram post aimed at encouraging more women to sign upCredit: Instagram
Senior industry agents also reacted to the story, calling it “deeply concerning”.
In a article published by trade publication, Travel Weekly, they raised concerns about InteleTravel’s recruitment methods and about the impact of the story on the professional reputation of other agents in the sector.
Advantage Travel Partnership chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said said: “It’s important to remember the vast majority of travel agents across the UK are highly professional and trustworthy”.
“Being a travel agent is not a hobby. It should never be treated as a casual side hustle to make some extra money”.
While marketing consultant Steve Dunne, chief executive of Digital Drums, said such stories “could push back the reputation of the travel agents a generation”.
A number of InteleTravel agents have reacted to our report in defence of InteleTravel.
They were keen to tell their followers that agents can ‘just sell holidays’ and do not have to sign up to be part of the business responsible for the recruitment of other agents.
James Pirie-Warsop said: “I’ve been with Intele for about two or three years and I’m glad I did [join them]. Yes, there’s a multi-level marketing side, but you don’t have to do it”.
Whilst no-one is forced to recruit a ‘dream team of travel agents’ like Vicky and Jess, official data from the Direct Selling Association reveals that 63 per cent of agents in the sector do go on to build a ‘team’.
InteleTravel’s own figures may differ from the UK wide average, but when asked directlt by The Sun, they declined to comment on the amount their agents earn.
Have you been approached to join InteleTravel or asked if you’d like to make money selling travel with a team of like-minded agents? Get in touch with us at
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.”
