Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left confused when Vicky Pattison failed to star on It Takes Two on Monday. The former Geordie Shore star was eliminated from the BBC dance competition over the weekend, meaning it was her turn to have her first interview on the show’s spin-off at the beginning of the following week, as per Strictly tradition.
Presenter Fleur East confirmed to viewers that Vicky and Kai would appear later in the week instead but gave no explanation. However, it has now been revealed why Vicky was absent.
A source told the Mirror: “Vicky had it pre-agreed that she was going to celebrate her birthday with some friends and family. She has hardly seen them the last few months cos of training so it was a wonderful celebration but nothing too crazy.
“The BBC gave her permission to have the time around her birthday off and so she will be appearing on It Takes Two on Wednesday.”
Vicky was unsuccessful against EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal in the dance off.
The soap star explained how ‘horrible’ it had been to compete against her friend for a place in next week’s Blackpool heat.
She said: “I knew we were gonna be in the dance off, and when I saw who was lined up, I was like ‘This is awful.’
“And then they announced Vicky, and I was like ‘I just can’t…’ We became quite close, and our journey together has been really solid. I thought ‘I don’t wanna be the one…’ It was horrible, it’s horrible with anybody, but someone you’ve got close to, it’s not the way you want it to play out.”
After exiting the show, the former Loose Women star shared a video clip from her birthday party over the weekend, which she hosted just as her sad scenes aired.
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The post includes a message from a friend that reads: “You are so special, never change. Love you.”
An emotional Vicky could be seen blowing out her birthday candles in a room in front of all her friends.
The reality star, who has opened up about her constant battle with anxiety, said: “I know I let my nerves get in the way – and I will proper beat myself up over that. But I’ve never danced before sober and here I am, sober as a judge.”
After discovering she was going home, she told Strictly host Tess Daly: “It was so lovely while it lasted, and I’ve had the nicest time. I knew this week was a difficult one for me, and I tried my hardest, as I have every week.”
She added: “Listen, I didn’t think I’d get past week one. And I’m really honoured to have shared this experience with so many amazing people. Mostly with this fella right here.”
She told dance partner Kai: “You’ve been the best partner a girl can ask for. I’m so sorry I didn’t get you to Blackpool but I feel like I’ve won just by having you as my partner and I’m so grateful.”
Fans were equally as emotional with Vicky’s sudden exit over her birthday weekend, following her tango triumph the week before.
One fan said: “Pretty shocking result, had Vicky down as a nailed on finalist and 50:50 winner along with Lewis (Cope).”
Another echoed: “Slightly distraught with the result because you were a definite potential winner and a firm favourite of mine, but I hope you’re extremely proud of yourself. VickyPattison, because you’ve done so amazing!!! We’re all proud of you lass!!”
However, others felt Vicky had not performed well on the night as one remarked: “I did think the song didn’t go with the dance, the outfit didn’t go with the staging and the graffitied stairwell is almost designed to turn off the average Strictly viewer.”
Someone else said: “The dress was giving more Charleston vibes and the set was giving just ugly vibes.”
