Vicky Pattison hit by major blow amid Strictly Come Dancing rumours

Wales Online

4 days ago

Vicky Pattison hit by major blow amid Strictly Come Dancing rumours
Former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison is reportedly one of the first celebrities to have signed up for the 23rd series of Strictly, but has been warned to put her health first
Vicky Pattison has reportedly signed up for Strictly
(Image: Mike Marsland, Mike Marsland/WireImagevia Getty Images)
Vicky Pattison's hopes of lifting the Strictly Glitterball trophy may already be in jeopardy, following a serious health setback for the former Geordie Shore start. Sources suggest the beloved TV personality remains committed to reaching the dance floor, though she must prioritise her physical health over her professional aspirations.
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The 37-year-old, who won I'm A Celebrity a decade ago, revealed that she was left practically bed bound last week after developing a trapped nerve in her back whilst undertaking a charity expedition in Iceland.
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Taking to social media with the news, Vicky explained her susceptibility to this agonising condition, especially during the colder seasons – confessing she could "barely move".
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With her name reportedly at the forefront of this year's anticipated Strictly sign-ups, insiders suggest the timing couldn't be more unfortunate, reports the Mirror.
"She was desperately worried that this wasn't only not going to go away but that it could get worse," they told the Mirror.
They add: "Vicky isn't a complainer, so when she says something feels bad, she means it. But she's also a really tough person and has already shown that she can cope with pretty much anything – one thing she's not, is a quitter. She needs to make sure she looks after herself though, that will be the most important thing."
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They continue: "Strictly has been the number one show on her wish list for years, especially after she went to watch her bestie Pete [Wicks] on it last year. This would be her time to shine and she knows that second chances don't come around often."
Vicky's trapped nerve developed following her challenging trek in Iceland with the breast cancer charity CoppaFeel!
The condition occurs when excessive pressure is placed on a nerve by surrounding bone or muscle, with symptoms including numbness, aching or burning pain and muscle weakness.
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Vicky appeared in the crowd during last year's series to support her friend Pete Wicks
(Image: PA)
Speaking to her 5.5m Instagram followers, Vicky revealed she was unfortunately well-acquainted with the excruciating pain, sharing, "It happens mostly in the winter when I'm cold and all hunched over and tight.
"It obviously happened in the trek last week. And I'm just feeling it now because my body has relaxed for the first time in a week. But I can barely bloody move."
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The timing proves particularly unfortunate for Vicky, the source continues, as it follows shortly after she was unofficially revealed as amongst the first celebrities prepared to commit to the 23rd Strictly series, which begins filming later this summer.
The beloved dance competition has encountered its own controversies recently, including allegations of behind-the-scenes bullying and the exits of Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima from the professional roster.
Last week, it was revealed that the show's executives were considering offering rehabilitation services to two of its stars following allegations of backstage cocaine use. The Sun newspaper reported that producers are contemplating implementing random drug tests for next year's Strictly Live tour.
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In response to these claims, a BBC spokesperson stated, "We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us. We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further."
Vicky, who hosts a Saturday afternoon programme on Heart radio, is an avid fan of Strictly and was even spotted in the audience last year, enthusiastically cheering on her close friend Pete Wicks.
Despite previously confessing that she'd rather "stand in the corner, drink and have a laugh" than hit the dance floor, our insider suggests it's time for Vicky to step into the Strictly limelight – provided she can regain her peak health.
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"She was in terrible pain with this trapped nerve, and really doesn't want it to mean the end of something she's dreamed about doing. She's watched Strictly for years but she had never felt as confident in herself as she does today – so the timing was worrying.
"Dealing with health issues unfortunately isn't new to her, either, but it means she does know how to listen to her body and take care of herself."
Vicky, who tied the knot with her long-term partner Ercan Ramadan last year, has previously opened up about her prolonged struggle to receive a diagnosis for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), a condition that triggers insomnia, anxiety, depressive thoughts, and physical discomfort.
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"She's literally feeling all the emotions right now – Strictly isn't a walk in the park," an insider claims.
"It's gruelling on the body and the mind, so she needs both to be in excellent condition. But she's a tough cookie so friends and family are convinced she'll do well. She's one determined lady – if anyone can do this, Vicky can."