In a dazzling display of grace and grit, Strictly Come Dancing’s Vicky Pattison left audiences and judges spellbound during week two of the BBC’s iconic dance competition. The 37-year-old former Geordie Shore star, paired with professional dancer Kai Widdrington, delivered a breathtaking foxtrot to Sam Fender and Olivia Dean’s soulful hit “Rein Me In,” earning a stellar 34 out of 40 points. But it wasn’t just the score that set the ballroom alight—it was the judges’ bold prophecy that Vicky could dominate the entire series, leaving her emotional and the audience in awe.
From the moment Vicky glided across the dancefloor, it was clear she was a force to be reckoned with. Her foxtrot was a masterclass in elegance, with flawless heel turns that had judge Anton Du Beke beaming. “Len Goodman would have absolutely loved this,” he declared, invoking the memory of the late Strictly legend. Head judge Shirley Ballas went even further, delivering a verdict that sent shockwaves through the studio: “You could go all the way!” she told Vicky, her eyes sparkling with conviction. “There’s something very special about you.”
The praise didn’t stop there. Turning to Kai, Shirley added, “I think she’s got the ability to dominate this competition.” The audience erupted, and Vicky, visibly overwhelmed, admitted, “I think I’m actually going to cry.” The raw emotion in her voice resonated with everyone watching, as the reality star fought back tears of gratitude and disbelief.
Speaking to host Claudia Winkleman after her performance, Vicky opened up about the personal significance of the moment. The song choice, by Newcastle’s own Sam Fender—a “Geordie legend” in her words—hit close to home. Reflecting on her journey, Vicky confessed, “I haven’t really done an awful lot of stuff to make the north east proud, especially at the start of my career.” Her vulnerability struck a chord, as she added, “So, it means a lot… to make my family and friends proud.”
The heartfelt admission was a reminder of Vicky’s transformation from her wild Geordie Shore days to the poised performer captivating the nation. Her journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In 2013, while filming the MTV reality show that launched her to fame, Vicky was involved in a high-profile incident where she threw a stiletto in a nightclub, mistakenly believing someone had thrown ice at her. The altercation injured another clubgoer and a security member, leading to 180 hours of community service and compensation payments. But Vicky has long since left that chapter behind, exiting Geordie Shore in 2014 and reinventing herself as a television personality, winning I’m a Celebrity in 2015 and landing a hosting gig on Heart Radio’s Saturday afternoon show.
Ahead of her Strictly debut, Vicky admitted to feeling out of her depth, overwhelmed by the pressure of the competition. “I thought I was doing an alright job of hiding it, but obviously I’m not,” she said, tears welling up during rehearsals. “I am worried that I will get in my own head.” Yet, with Kai’s expert guidance and her own determination, Vicky transformed those doubts into a performance that had the judges predicting greatness.
Her emotional reaction to the judges’ comments was a moment of pure authenticity. As she stood under the glittering lights of the Strictly ballroom, Vicky’s tears weren’t just about the praise—they were about proving to herself, her family, and her fans that she could rise above her past and shine on one of the biggest stages in television.
Vicky Pattison’s journey on Strictly Come Dancing is already shaping up to be one for the history books. With the judges’ bold prophecy ringing in her ears and the support of her Geordie roots behind her, she’s proving that she’s not just a reality star—she’s a contender. As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on Vicky to see if she can fulfill Shirley’s prediction and dominate the dancefloor. One thing’s for sure: her emotional, show-stopping performance has already won the hearts of the nation.