Strictly Come Dancing fans were surprised to see Vicky Pattison become the latest contestant to be eliminated from the BBC dance show last night, Sunday November 16. The TV star had impressed audiences in recent weeks as she was partnered with Kai Widdrington.
The couple were at the bottom of Saturday’s leaderboard, alongside EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal and dancer Julian Caillon, who joined them in the dance-off during the Sunday results show. Balvinder and Julian performed their American smooth to My Guy by Mary Wells before Vicky jived to Sound Of The Underground by Girls Aloud.
Judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all decided to save the EastEnders star and Craig Revel Horwood, who had the casting vote, said he would have done the same. Fellow Strictly contestant Karen Carney shared an emotional tribute on social media after Vicky’s departure. She wrote: “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 Strictly as I have gained a friend for life. Thanks for being my bestie.”
The football pundit added: “The iconic dances you’ve done, being the highest scoring female of the series so far and even becoming Cheryl for a night, what a Strictly journey you’ve been on.
“You should be incredibly proud of everything you’ve achieved over the last couple of months.
“Also need to give a big shout out to Kai. An amazing dancer and teacher but most of all an incredible person. Loved the two of you together and will miss you so so much.”
Upon leaving the show, Vicky 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 (Widdrington) right here.
“I don’t want to sound too cheesy but (to 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.”
The remaining seven couples will take to the Tower Ballroom for Strictly’s Blackpool special next weekend on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 6.35pm on Saturday and 7.15pm on Sunday.
The eliminated contestants will appear on Strictly spin-off It Takes Two on Monday November 17 at 6.30pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.