In a whirlwind of sequins, ambition, and a touch of self-confessed “creepiness,” Vicky Pattison, the vibrant 37-year-old reality TV star, is stepping into the spotlight as one of the celebrity contestants on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. Paired with the talented professional dancer Kai Widdrington, Vicky is ready to cha-cha her way into the hearts of viewers—but not without a few surprising revelations and personal challenges that add a unique twist to her Strictly journey.
On a recent episode of her Get A Grip podcast alongside fellow TV personality Angela Scanlon, Vicky let slip a quirky and slightly “creepy” secret tied to her long-standing dream of competing on the iconic BBC dance show. The confession involved none other than former Strictly star Gemma Atkinson, who dazzled audiences back in 2017 with her professional partner Aljaz Skorjanec. Vicky admitted to creating a mood board to visualize her career goals, and one particular element stood out as particularly bizarre. “This is the creepiest thing,” Vicky shared with a laugh. “I had a picture of Gemma Atkinson in her Strictly garb, and I had stuck my head on her body. I’ve had to tell her, I’ve had to be honest because it was so disconcerting. I did it about five years ago.”
The candid admission painted a picture of Vicky’s fierce determination to make her Strictly dreams a reality, even if it meant indulging in a playful (and slightly awkward) act of visualization. This quirky anecdote only adds to the charm of Vicky’s larger-than-life personality as she takes on the daunting yet exhilarating challenge of the dance floor.
Vicky’s preparations for Strictly have been nothing short of intense, with a demanding training schedule pushing her to her limits. To cope, she’s been trying to stay relaxed, but she recently confessed to picking up a habit she’s not entirely proud of—vaping during training sessions. Speaking to Chronicle Live and the Manchester Evening News, Vicky opened up about her struggle to balance the pressures of the competition with her need for calm. “Giving up things is really hard,” she admitted. “I’m craving relaxation. In a world where I can’t cultivate it naturally because my schedule’s a bit unrelenting, I’m doing it synthetically.”
Despite her efforts to quit vaping, Vicky shared that she’s had a few setbacks. “I was about five, six days in, but then it all unravelled,” she said with characteristic honesty. “So I’m back vaping. I’m not proud of it, but it’s who I am. I am a vapist!” Her self-deprecating humor and openness about her imperfections make her all the more relatable as she navigates the highs and lows of Strictly training.
Vicky’s journey to Strictly has been a long time coming. Speaking to Radio Times magazine, she revealed her initial shock when offered the chance to join the show. “When I got it, I was so shocked, I said to my agent, ‘Can I think about it?’ She said, ‘Yes, but just so you know, you’re doing it.’” The opportunity to compete on one of the UK’s most beloved shows was too good to pass up, even if it meant stepping far outside her comfort zone.
“I’m absolutely buzzing to be part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing lineup,” Vicky enthused, though she didn’t shy away from admitting her fears. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified. I am not a natural dancer. However, it’s such an amazing opportunity for me to challenge myself in a completely new way, and I just really hope I don’t make too much of a fool of myself.”
Vicky’s journey on Strictly is shaping up to be one filled with heart, humor, and a touch of glittery chaos. From her “creepy” mood board confession to her candid struggles with vaping and her fearless leap into the world of ballroom, Vicky Pattison is proving that she’s ready to embrace every moment—whether it’s a triumphant twirl or a relatable stumble. As she takes to the dance floor with Kai, audiences can expect a performance that’s as bold and unapologetic as Vicky herself.