Vicky Pattison has been flooded with support after revealing that she went back to therapy before starting her stint on Strictly Come Dancing.
The former Geordie Shore star, who is one of 15 contestants taking part in the BBC dance show, posted a slew of snaps on Instagram. The carousel of pictures included Vicky with her dogs, her husband Ercan, and the star with This Morning therapists Nik and Eva Speakman.
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Strictly star Vicky Pattison on her ‘struggles’ ahead of show
She wrote a long caption to accompany the post, starting: “I knew before Strictly even started I was going to struggle with my nerves and anxiety… so much so, that I almost said no to this incredible opportunity. I almost let my fear stop me from doing something amazing.
“But I absolutely don’t want that nasty little inner critic to dictate my life. I don’t want it to convince me that I’m not capable of doing brilliant things once in a while. So I put on my big girl pants and instead I tried to get myself in the best possible place before I started this little journey.”
Vicky continued to reveal the self-care rituals she embarked on ahead of her stint on the show, which sees her paired with pro dancer Kai Widdrington.
She added: “I did things for me… that I potentially haven’t done enough of recently. I practiced self care, went back to therapy, allowed myself to feel all my things, fear included… and you know what? I felt better.”
‘It doesn’t have to be your reality’
Reaching out to her army of fans, she continued: “You might not be doing Strictly, but we all get the opportunity to do exciting and amazing things in our lives. And I just wanted this to be your sign to go for it. Whether it’s the career change, the blind date, the solo trip… Just go for it. Anxiety is our brain trying to convince us that the worst possible outcome is going to be your reality… but it doesn’t have to be.”
Her attention then turned to tonight’s (October 4) live show, and the looming first elimination on Sunday night.
“Whatever happens tomorrow, I’ve tried my best, made loads of lovely new friends and had a ball… and my brain almost convinced me not to do this! If any of this resonates with you, please stop getting in your own way… you are brave, brilliant and powerful beyond measure.
“And there’s a whole exciting world of amazing things waiting for you… if you just get out of your comfort zone and go for it once in a while. We get one life and we all deserve to turn our vision boards into our camera roll.”
She signed off: “Yours Sincerely, A still very nervous, but proud of herself for doing it anyway little egg.”
Vicky was flooded with support. Strictly make-up artist Lisa Armstrong, Dani Dyer, Chris Robshaw and Balvinder Sopal were among those hitting the like button.
In one picture, Vicky revealed that she’d “had a good cry… snot and everything”.
‘You are strong and brave’
Fans also sent their love to the star in the comments section. One said: “You will be amazing, my 2025 winner right here!!”
Another commented: “Vicky you’re a fantastic woman and I’ve loved watching your career grow for years now. Know that you are strong and brave, your dancing last week was just amazing! You are showed the meaning of true courage and that trumps everything! Keep smashing it gorgeous, we are rooting for you!”
A third also shared the same sentiments: “We’re all very proud of you Vicky. You’ve got this. You have all of us rooting for you.”
Vicky and Kai’s dance on Strictly this weekend
Tonight, Vicky and partner Kai are dancing a foxtrot to Rein Me In by fellow Geordie Sam Fender and Olivia Dean.
Read more: Amy Dowden shares health update as she’s struck down with illness ahead of live show
Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One tonight (October 4) at 6.20pm.
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