Training is well underway for this year’s Strictly, and while Vicky Pattison is thrilled to be taking part, sources tell heat she can’t help but worry about the number of scandals the show has now been linked with.
‘For most celebs, being signed up for Strictly is the holy grail of TV opportunities. But this year, things feel slightly different, and pals say Vicky is more worried than excited – and it’s not about whether she can waltz,’ says our insider.
‘The show has come under fire before it has even begun, and some have been suggesting that this could be the most controversial series yet.
‘Vicky has been hearing whispers about it and seeing the headlines, and it’s got her slightly regretting her decision and wondering if she’s picked the wrong year to do the show. She’s been told by pals she’s already got it in the bag in terms of winning people over with her personality, and if she can get her dancing up to speed, she could be well on her way to the final. But something about it all seems too good to be true.’
In August, the hit show came under fire after it was reported two of its stars had been accused of taking A-class drugs. Just days after the allegations, a man reported as being a ‘Strictly Come Dancing star’ was arrested on suspicion of rape and non-consensual intimate image abuse. The man, in his 30s, who has not been named, is understood not to be involved in this autumn’s production.
Just a few months earlier, EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick was suspended by the BBC after using a slur against people with disabilities on set last year. The broadcaster also decided not to renew former contestant and radio host Wynne Evans’ contract after he was accused of making an ‘inappropriate and unacceptable’ comment during the live tour launch in January. And last year, pro dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano de Prima left the show amid claims of bad behaviour against their former celeb partners, Amanda Abbington and Zara McDermott.
Now, our source says Vicky – who has worked hard to ditch her party girl reputation since finding fame on Geordie Shore back in 2011 – is also worried her reality TV days could be dredged back up. ‘Vicky is terrified about ghosts from her past coming back to haunt her. Those were some wild days when she first found fame. She doesn’t blame herself because she was thrust into the limelight and encouraged to be a party girl – but she does worry about being on a family show and people from her past seeing that as an opportunity to exploit her,’ our source reveals.
For the time being, Vicky – who married her partner of six years, Ercan Ramadan, last summer – appears to be putting her worries aside and is busy preparing for the first live show in a few weeks. After throwing herself into her first rehearsal, the star, 37, told her followers, ‘What an amazing day. The team are incredible, the celebs are wonderful, and the pros are an absolute joy.’
She added, ‘Strictly is a British institution and precious to so many... and whereas I can’t promise I’ll be a very good dancer, I can promise to work super-hard, train as much as they’ll let me and give this experience my all.’
She later shared snaps of herself at the BBC Studios being ‘Strictly-fied’ by the hair and make-up team, adding, ‘It’s been a proper whirlwind, but super-exciting.’
‘She wants to do well and charm people at home, but at the same time, she knows she has no control over how she will come across,’ we’re told. ‘Ercan has vowed to be by her side. Neither of them is worried about the Strictly curse as their marriage is so strong, but they’re both aware that the show can be controversial and would hate to be dragged into any scandal.’