Vicky Pattison experienced a heartbreaking exit from Strictly Come Dancing on her 38th birthday. The former Geordie Shore star ended up joint bottom of the leaderboard with 27 points after delivering a high-energy Jive to Girls Aloud’s “Sound Of The Underground,” alongside professional partner Kai Widdrington.
Sharing the bottom spot were EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal and her partner Julian Caillon, who performed an American Smooth to Mary Wells' “My Guy.” Both couples were sent to the tense dance-off during the Sunday night results show.
When it was announced that Vicky would face Balvinder in the dance-off, she appeared visibly upset. “I’m nervous. I thought Bal’s dance was absolutely beautiful and she’s one of my absolute best friends in this competition, so this is a horrible place to be,” Vicky admitted. Balvinder echoed the sentiment, saying, “I don’t want to do it. I really don’t want to do it.”
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Head judge Shirley Ballas offered encouragement, telling Vicky, “You look a little bit distraught there. You’ve got to wipe it out. It’s a new dance. It’s a new day.”
Bookmakers and fans largely predicted Balvinder’s elimination, making the judges’ unanimous decision to save her all the more surprising. This marked Balvinder’s fourth time in the dance-off, each time being spared by the judges.
Following her departure, Vicky offered heartfelt words to Kai, expressing regret over missing the upcoming Blackpool special. “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 said.
“I honestly didn’t expect to get past week one, so I’m truly honoured to have shared this experience with so many amazing people—especially with this fella (Kai) right here. You’ve been the best partner a girl could 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.”
Kai responded warmly, saying, “Oh, goodness me. Where do I start? You are everything that this series is about: strong, confident, independent. I have loved every single second. I’m going to be gutted not coming to Blackpool with you on Monday. But I want you to know I feel like I have won getting you as my partner, and you will live on in Strictly history forever.”
Fans expressed shock and disappointment at the unexpected result. One tweeted, “What? That’s a shock! No way Vicky & Kai should have left #Strictly—they’ve been fantastic throughout this series!” Another added, “#Strictly Absolutely the wrong decision tonight.”
The remaining seven couples will perform at Blackpool’s iconic Tower Ballroom next weekend, with episodes airing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 6:35 pm on Saturday and 7:15 pm on Sunday.