Former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison opens up about her nerves ahead of the BBC show, which is due to kick off later this month
Strictly Come Dancing may prove tricky for Vicky Pattison as she will be suffering with more than just a contestant’s nerves. The reality star’s anxiety will be through the roof before anyone has even danced a step because of a health condition that brings on panic attacks, insomnia and exhaustion.
In 2023, Vicky was diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which can floor her physically and emotionally every month. But the plucky personality, who won 2015’s I’m a Celebrity and was a finalist on Celebrity MasterChef in 2019, is ready to give the BBC dance contest her best shot when it kicks off on Saturday.
Vicky, 37, first found fame on the MTV reality show Geordie Shore as cameras followed her “getting mortal” on wild nights out in Newcastle. But she says of Strictly: “It’s so out of my comfort zone… I’m not a performer. I’m a drinker, not a dancer. It’s been a long time since I’ve done the jungle and MasterChef, but Strictly definitely ups the ante on the anxiety front.”
Since she first appeared on Geordie Shore in 2011, the Newcastle-born star has gone on to become a panellist on Loose Women and bagged her own reality show, My Big Fat Geordie Wedding, which saw her marry partner Ercan Ramadan.
But being on Strictly is a fulfilling a dream for Vicky. She says: “You’ve got to get comfortable with being uncomfortable and when you’re in your late 30s, that’s hard to do. I feel so lucky to be asked. It was something that was on my vision board that I wanted to tick off, but I am scared. I don’t want to let anyone down – my partner, family or the viewers.”
Vicky also spoke out about living with PMDD, and how hugely supportive Strictly has been as she struggled through rehearsals. “It affects me in the 10 days before my period,” she admits. “That is panic attacks, anxiety, insomnia, exhaustion and in some moments, there can be suicidal thoughts. Like every woman dealing with it, I’m just riding the wave.
“There are moments I can be OK and be the bright, shiny version of myself that everyone expects, and then there are moments where I’m debilitated by it. Now, everything feels heightened and stressful. I’ve been burying my head in the sand a little bit saying it’s ages away, but it’s not. I’m learning as I go. Strictly take things into consideration.”
Vicky says show bosses have picked the perfect partner for her – a person who can help calm her nerves. He will be revealed on Saturday’s launch show. “They have found me someone that is kind and measured and patient and supportive,” she says. “There are people with big energy and that’s amazing, but that would have exacerbated how I was feeling.
“I hope that when I get the hang of it, I’ll be less nervous. I hope I’m blessed to be here long enough to get a few shows under my belt.”
Joining Vicky on the dancefloor are Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, model Ellie Goldstein, Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and EastEnder Balvinder Sopal. YouTuber George Clarke, drag queen La Voix, rugby ace Chris Robshaw and The Apprentice’s Tom Skinner are also taking part.
The line-up is completed by Neighbours favourite Stefan Dennis, Lioness Karen Carney, ex-Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope, footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, reality star Dani Dyer and TV host Ross King. They will be judged by Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday for its launch show.
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