Strictly Come Dancing's Vicky Pattison axed saying 'I will beat myself up over that' - The Mirror

She said nerves got the better of her during the jive, which came just one week after her tango got a near perfect score

Last week she topped the leaderboard with three 10s from the judges for her tango - but there was widespread shock tonight as the latest star made their exit from Strictly Come Dancing.

Vicky Pattison's unexpected departure came after the scores for her jive with pro partner Kai Widdrington on Saturday put her at the bottom of the leaderboard alongside Balvinder Sopal, also on 27 points.

But when all four judges voted to save the EastEnders favourite, it meant Vicky was doomed to miss out on going to the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom next weekend.

The reality star, who has told how she has a constant battle with anxiety, said: “I know I let my nerves get in the way - and I will proper beat myself up over that. But I’ve never danced before sober and here I am, sober as a judge.”

The 38-year-old said she’d enjoyed the Strictly experience “loads more than I thought I was going to” but agreed with head judge Shirley Ballas that it was her nerves that had let her down.

Her fate was sealed following the dance-off when all four judges preferred Balvinder’s American smooth with her partner Julian Caillon. The actress, 46, has now survived FOUR dance-offs, equalling the record set by singer Jamelia in 2015.

Yesterday fans said it was an especially brutal departure for Vicky because of Blackpool, her tango triumph last week, and also because today is her 38th birthday.

One fan said: “Pretty shocking result, had Vicky down as a nailed on finalist and 50:50 winner along with Lewis (Cope).”

But another felt Vicky had been left in the lurch, claiming: “I did think the song didn't go with the dance, the outfit didn't go with the staging and the graffitied stairwell is almost designed to turn off the average Strictly viewer.”

That criticism was shared by another viewer who thought a jive to Sound of the Underground by Girls Aloud was “never a good idea”. They added: “The dress was giving more Charleston vibes and the set was giving just ugly vibes.”

In last night’s show, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley and Anton du Beke all voted unanimously to save Balvinder and Kai. Craig Revel Horwood, who had the casting vote, said afterwards that he’d have done the same.

Vicky, who was visited by her husband Ercan and their dogs during training this week, looked gutted to be sent home, but told presenter Tess Daly: “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 that getting as far as week eight had far surpassed her own expectations. “Listen, I didn’t think I’d get past week one,” she insisted. "And I’m really honoured to have shared this experience with so many amazing people. Mostly with this fella right here.”

She told 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.”

Kai said she’d been a joy to teach, telling her: “You 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.”

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