Pete Wicks makes sweet promise to Vicky Pattison ahead of first Strictly Come Dancing live show

Vicky Pattison is set to debut her first official dance on Strictly tonight, and her best mate Pete Wicks has promised to be front row cheering her on.

The Geordie Shore star was unveiled as part of the 2025 line-up in August and admitted she's been “buzzing like an old fridge” since being paired with professional dancer Kai Widdrington.

In a post to her 5.5 million Instagram followers, Vicky wrote: “God I am so pleased the cat’s out the bag!!! Been hell trying to keep this one a secret!!!

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“Buzzing like an old fridge to be partnered with @kaiwidd and I can't wait for you guys to see what we've been working on for the first live show... well actually maybe I can. ARGHHHHH! This last week has been crazy intense but incredible at the same time.. and already adore my partner and my @bbcstrictly family!”

Pete Wicks commented on the post, promising: “You got this. I'll be front row.” Despite her excitement, Vicky has admitted the Strictly launch show was a daunting experience.

While on her Get A Grip podcast with ex-contestant Angela Scanlon, she groaned: “No, it was the worst experience of my life… it does just make you cripplingly aware of how s***e you are if ya s***e, and I am s***e.”

She joked about feeling like a “sausage in a skin” in her sequined outfit and even revealed producers had fitted her with a special girdle.

However, she was grateful for her fellow contestants, saying Ross King held her hand when he noticed she was nervous, while Dani Dyer “never left my side”. Vicky admitted that although she panicked at first, once she started dancing she “loved” it.

The 37-year-old TV personality hasn't been short of supporters ahead of her first live routine tonight. She previously told the BBC that her “biggest cheerleaders” are her husband, Ercan Ramadan, as well as her family and friends.

Pete Wicks, who made it to the Strictly semi-finals in 2024 with Jowita Przystal, has been particularly encouraging.

“Pete was a total ‘fly by the seat of his pants’ guy,” Vicky explained. “He couldn’t believe he made it through each week! His advice was to work hard, keep your head down, be yourself, and enjoy it. It’s honestly lovely having both of their perspectives.”

Angela Scanlon has offered Vicky practical tips as the contest begins, telling her to soak her feet in surgical spirits to prepare for the pain of long rehearsals.

Ten years on from her I'm A Celebrity win, Vicky says Strictly offers the chance to step outside her comfort zone. “As you get older you get fewer and fewer chances to truly push yourself and try something new,” she shared.

“It’s very easy to stay in your comfort zone and I’m guilty of that. Strictly offers this incredible opportunity to grow whether that’s learning to dance, meeting new people, or just getting fitter. It’s a chance to discover what you’re capable of, and I’m really grateful for that.”

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