Vicky Pattison Admits Struggles With Gruelling Strictly Rehearsals and Fears Being ‘Rubbish’ Ahead of Dancefloor Debut

Vicky Pattison Jokes She’d Prefer Kangaroo Testicles Over Strictly Rehearsals
(Images: Vicky in rehearsals; Vicky on I’m A Celebrity; Strictly dancers; 2024 winners)

Former I’m A Celebrity winner Vicky Pattison, 37, has humorously claimed she’d rather eat kangaroo testicles than endure the stress of Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals. The reality star, set to compete in the 2025 series, admitted to The Sun she’s “living on her nerves” ahead of the September 20 launch.

“I’d take kangaroo balls over glitter balls any day. I’m really done in,” joked Vicky, who won the jungle show in 2015. Despite her humor, she confessed to struggling with the physical and mental demands of training: “I’m not a dancer or an athlete. I’m worried about being rubbish, going out first, or falling over.”

Unlike her confident approach to I’m A Celebrity, Vicky feels unprepared for the dancefloor. She even quipped about understanding why fellow contestant Pete Wicks chain-smoked during his stint. Her husband, Ercan Ramadan, 32, remains her rock: “He’s supportive and unfazed by everything—I wish I could be more like him.”

Strictly Pairings Leak Sparks Fan Frenzy
(Image: Strictly pros; 2024 winners Chris and Dianne)

The BBC’s efforts to keep this year’s celebrity-pro pairings secret were dashed when details leaked online days before the launch. A notorious “super-spoiler” shared the list, sparking mixed reactions on social media. Fans tweeted: “Some unexpected pairings!” and “The spoiler ruined the surprise!”

The leak follows years of behind-the-scenes drama, with insider David Thorp—known for running Strictly Spoiler—claiming the BBC’s pre-recorded results format enables leaks. Thorp, who earns £5,000 monthly from his site, insists he’s “providing a service” for eager fans.

2025 Lineup Highlights
(Image: Group shot of 2025 stars)

This year’s lineup features 15 celebrities, including:

• Dani Dyer (29, Love Island winner): “This is the second-best thing I’ve done this year!”
• Alex Kingston (62, Doctor Who actress): “My hips don’t lie.”
• Chris Robshaw (39, rugby star): “Time to upgrade my dad-dancing!”
• La Voix (45, drag performer): “From La Voix to La Danse!”

Vicky joins the roster alongside Olympian Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal. While she’s nervous, fans are eager to see if her humor and determination will shine on the dancefloor.

Strictly Come Dancing premieres September 20 on BBC One.