Strictly Come Dancing fans were gutted as they spotted a sad detail as Vicky Pattison exited the show. The Geordie star became the latest to be eliminated from the BBC contest last night.
Vicky had been partnered with Kai Widdrington in 2025’s race for the Glitterball. They had proved to be one of the popular couples of the season so far and had smoothly sailed through each week. However, they found themselves in the bottom two of week eight of the competition and were subsequently eliminated as the judges opted to save Balvinder Sopal.
Vicky had set her sights on reaching next week’s episode, which takes place in Blackpool, and apologised to Kai for not progressing to this point. She said: “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.
“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.
“I don’t want to sound too cheesy but 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.”
Co-star Karen Carney took to social media to share her surprise at the shock exit. She said: “Didn’t see this one coming. The first moment we met on pairings day you just came and gave me a massive bear hug.
“I knew straight away you were going to be my person. You’ve always been there for me, whether that’s to hold my hand and give me a cuddle or a snack when I needed reassurance or a pick me up, to just have a chat or to give me a place to stay if I ever needed it.
“I’ll be forever grateful for @bbcstrictly as I have gained a friend for life. Thanks for being my bestie.” Fans also took to social media to share their surprise about Vicky’s exit and said it was particularly sad as the exit was broadcast on the day she celebrated her 38th birthday.
Kayleigh said: “I am gutted for Vicky, on her birthday as well completely agree she is what #Strictly is all about she had a real journey on this show and absolutely smashed it.
“Her and Kai had a beautiful partnership and she was a ray of sunshine on that dancefloor will be so missed” Grace added: “#Vicky Pattison getting eliminated from #Strictly on her Birthday is pretty unfortunate….. (I know it was filmed last night but still)”
Many of Vicky’s celebrity friends took to social media to wish her well on her birthday. Angela Scanlon, who competed on Strictly in 2022, said: “Happy birthday to my favourite unhinged woman. I love you.”
Last year’s contestant Pete Wicks said: “Happy birthday you delightful human. Forever proud of you.” Strictly professional Jowita Pryzstal added: “Happy birthday to my queen.
“You’re the kindest, most humble and beautiful woman inside and out. I adore you and I wish you all the best my love. To another great year on this planet superstar. Love you so much.”
The remaining contestants in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing are Amber Davies, Lewis Cope, Alex Kingston, La Voix, Karen Carney, George Clarke and Balvinder Sopal.