The glitz and glamour of Strictly Come Dancing’s Movie Week lit up BBC screens this past weekend, as the stars dazzled audiences with their cinematic performances. The dancefloor was alive with energy, and the judges were full of praise, noting remarkable improvements across the board. Actor Lewis Cope earned the season’s first perfect 10, a moment of triumph amid his recent response to public criticism. Yet, beneath the sparkle and celebration, the evening carried a bittersweet note as ITV’s LA correspondent Ross King became the latest contestant to bid farewell to the competition.
Ross found himself in the dreaded dance-off, pitted against EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal. In a tough decision, the judges chose to save Balvinder, sending Ross and his professional partner, Jowita Przystał, home. The departure left a ripple of emotion through the Strictly family, with reality star Vicky Pattison openly sharing her heartbreak over the loss.
Taking to Instagram, Vicky posted a heartfelt reflection on the evening, accompanied by a series of vibrant images from Movie Week. She began by thanking fans for their unwavering support, which has kept her in the competition, allowing her to continue honing her skills on the dancefloor. Vicky also praised her professional partner, Kai Widdrington, for his guidance and encouragement. However, her tone shifted as she addressed the painful exit of Ross and Jowita, alongside fellow contestants Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon, who also faced the dance-off.
“My heart absolutely broke for the amazing @leesopal, @julian_caillon, @therossking, and @jowitaprzystal in the dance-off this week,” Vicky wrote. “My least favourite part of this process by far is watching my friends leave. @therossking, you’re going to be a huge miss mate, you’re a gorgeous soul, and @jowitaprzystal, I love you and you’re brilliant!” Her words captured the emotional weight of saying goodbye to friends forged in the intensity of the Strictly journey, revealing a vulnerability that contrasted with her radiant stage presence.
Fans flooded Vicky’s post with messages of support, celebrating her own journey on the show. “Proud of you @vickypattison, let’s go new week, new dance,” one follower commented. Another wrote, “You worked so hard and were incredible last night!” Others expressed excitement for her upcoming Week 4 performance, noting her steady climb up the leaderboard with a score of 25 for her Movie Week routine, placing her joint ninth alongside footballer Karen Carney. “You were brilliant! The points are on the up each week, so things can only get better!” one enthusiastic fan added.
For Ross, the end of his Strictly journey was met with grace and gratitude. Reflecting on his experience, he shared, “I have loved every single minute of it. I would like to say thank you to everyone who has supported us, all the people who voted – they’ve been amazing.” He extended his appreciation to the judges, crew, and everyone behind the scenes, emphasizing how welcomed he felt throughout the process. Most poignantly, Ross reserved special praise for his partner, Jowita Przystał, calling her a mentor, teacher, and carer. “I could not have wished for a better partner, and I could not have wished to be on a better show,” he said, his words a testament to the camaraderie and spirit of Strictly Come Dancing.
As the competition moves forward, the dancefloor will continue to dazzle, but for Vicky Pattison and her fellow contestants, the departure of Ross serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional stakes beneath the sequins and smiles. Each step, each routine, is not just a performance but a shared journey—one filled with joy, growth, and, at times, heartfelt goodbyes.