- Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington were eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing after a dance-off against Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon
- Despite topping the leaderboard last week, Vicky’s jive performance placed her in the bottom two
- Next week, Strictly takes to Blackpool with seven celebrities remaining, promising an all-dancing extravaganza
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 just took its most shocking turn of the series so far by eliminating a hugely loved couple.
Tonight, Vicky Pattison and her pro partner Kai Widdrington found themselves in the dance-off, having to fight for their place in the BBC contest against Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon.
While it was Vicky’s first experience in the bottom two, EastEnders actress Bal is somewhat of a seasoned pro at this point, having been in the dance-off four times.
However, her fighting spirit remains intact, which saw her sail through to another week, while Vicky, 38, and Kai, 30, got the chop.
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The elimination rocked everyone in the studio and viewers watching at home, considering Vicky and Kai topped the leaderboard just last week with their Taylor Swift tango.
Alas, this weekend, they plummeted to the bottom, failing to impress with their Sound of the Underground jive, which they performed again, while Balvinder and Julian did their American smooth to My Guy by Mary Wells.
And it was their second routines that were used to decide who would remain in the contest, and there was seemingly no room for doubt when the judges cast their votes.
Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke all opted to save Balvinde and Julian, as did Craig Revel Horwood, who would’ve had the casting vote this week had he been required to step up.
Speaking to host Tess Daly after being eliminated, Geordie Shore star Vicky had nothing but glowing things to say about her Strictly experience, despite being eliminated on her birthday.
‘It was so lovely while it lasted, and I’ve had the nicest time,’ she began sweetly.
‘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 1. And I’m really honoured to have shared this experience with so many amazing people. Mostly with this fella (Kai) right here.’
‘I don’t want to sound too cheesy, but (to Kai) you’ve been the best partner a girl can ask for,’ she added to him.
Vicky and Kai came within touching distance of Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom, which is always a milestone in the Strictly calendar. Sadly, they didn’t quite make it.
‘I’m so sorry I didn’t get you to Blackpool,’ Vicky – who previously joked about her husband wanting her to be voted off so they could resume their sex life – told Kai. ‘But I feel like I’ve won just by having you as my partner, and I’m so grateful.’
Asked about his time in the partnership, Kai added: ‘Oh, goodness me. Where do I start? You (to Vicky) are everything that this series is about. Strong, confident, independent – and all that I can say is, I have loved every single second.
‘I’m going to be gutted not coming to Blackpool with you on Monday. But I just want you to know that I feel like I have also won getting you as my partner, and you will live on in Strictly history forever.’
Following Vicky’s elimination, viewers took to social media in droves to express their shock, having expected her to go further.
‘Whoa hang on.. that isn’t right!!’, declared a stunned @bosdovja92.
‘I expected this DO combo but not that result! Fully thought the judges would save Vicky based on what she’s done until now and viewing her potential’, added @JomTones12 on X.
‘I’M SHOCKED!! Vicky’s jive wasn’t great but I really thought she’d have the public support!!’, echoed @slinehan1.
@corderoy17 added that they ‘genuinely thought [Vicky] was a finalist’, while @RealityTVFan202 argued that the ‘wrong person went home’.
Elsewhere in tonight’s results show, audiences were treated to a routine from the professionals, who teamed up with street dance troupe Diversity, who won Britain’s Got Talent in 2009.
Also on the show, singer Olly Murs performed Run This Town, accompanied by a routine from Amy Dowden, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Nancy Xu.
With podcaster Vicky now out of the running for the coveted Glitter Ball trophy, just seven celebrities remain. They are Amber Davies, Lewis Cope, La Voix, Karen Carney, Alex Kingston, George Clarke, and, of course, dance-off warrior Balvinder.
Next week, the couples will head to Blackpool for an all-dancing extravaganza, as Strictly takes everything up a notch.
Strictly’s Blackpool special airs next Saturday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 6:35pm, with the results following at 7:15pm on Sunday.
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