The crippling syndrome haunting Vicky Pattison’s Strictly chance & leaving hubby Ercan terrified
STRICTLY Come Dancing’s Vicky Pattison has received rave reviews after being told she “could actually probably, maybe, possibly go all the way” by head judge Shirley Ballas.
But despite impressing with her Cha-Cha-Cha in week one and winning a new legion of fans, away from the disco balls and dancefloor, there’s another battle the 37-year-old is facing.
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Vicky Pattison has spoken about ‘imposter syndrome’ in the past. Pictured, with husband ErcanCredit: Instagram
The proud Geordie is partnered with professional Kai Waddington in this year’s StrictlyCredit: PA
And, according to a friend close to Vicky, she’s terrified it’ll cripple her chances in the much-loved dance show.
Speaking exclusively to Fabulous, the source claimed: “Vicky has really struggled with this huge imposter syndrome and her confidence for years, since winning the jungle.
“She came home to such fanfare, she was making a fortune and landing all these massive and amazing new jobs like becoming a Loose Woman – it was huge for little Vicky off Geordie Shore, she just couldn’t believe it.
“But it was so overwhelming for her she just crumbled. She really struggled behind the scenes because she didn’t believe she was good enough to be there.”
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Vicky has really struggled with this huge imposter syndrome and her confidence for years, since winning the jungle
A source close to Vicky
They continued: “Now the pressure, spotlight and demand for her has rammed up again with Strictly and with that, of course, I expect Vicky is terrified it’ll happen again.
‘It’s something she battles with every day. She’s consciously having to use the tools she’s learnt in therapy to cope with fame and her success and to allow herself to thrive and grow and to stop these imposter syndrome feelings and emotions.”
A CONSTANT BATTLE
Imposter syndrome – a psychological pattern that makes those who suffer from it doubt themselves and their accomplishment – is something Vicky has openly discussed in the lead up to the BBC dance competition.
Speaking to Mail Online, she said: “I’m feeling a lot of anxiety about Strictly. I know I should just be excited to be considered for shows like this – I didn’t feel anything like this when I went in the [I’m A Celebrity] jungle.
“Maybe it’s a bit of imposter syndrome, maybe it’s working-class feelings of being undeserving. Maybe it’s deep-rooted self-doubt.”
The Strictly Come Dancing contestant, who was just 22 when she found fame on MTV’s Geordie Shore, even broke down in tears during a press day ahead of the launch show.
“I thought I was doing an alright job of hiding it but obviously I’m not,” she said. ”I’m just out of my comfort zone and it’s really scary when you’re out of your comfort zone and I am a bit overwhelmed.”
Vicky has spoken of her ‘fear’ of appearing in the BBC dance competitionCredit: BBC
Strictly judge Shirley Ballas said Vicky could ‘possibly go all the way’ in the competitionCredit: PA
Vicky won ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’ in 2015 and was crowned Queen of the jungleCredit: Rex Features
The TV presenter later told how drink took over her life after appearing on the showCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Vicky, who is partnered on this series with pro Kai Widdrington, also told how she is finding the show “intimidating and overwhelming.”
During an interview with Women’s Health UK, she explained: “All the pros are carved like angels, and I’m there sweating away in my gym gear.
“It’s both intimidating and overwhelming. But as you get older, you don’t often get the opportunity to get out of your comfort zone. I like to prove I’m capable.”
But the TV presenter has admitted that she knew she was going to “struggle” with her nerves when she got the gig – so much so, it nearly resulted in her declining the once in a lifetime opportunity.
Addressing her 5.5million Instagram followers, Vicky wrote: “I knew before Strictly even started I was going to struggle with my nerves and anxiety… so much so, that I almost said no to this incredible opportunity. I almost let my fear stop me from doing something amazing…
“I did things for me… that I potentially haven’t done enough of recently. I practiced self care, went back to therapy, allowed myself to feel all my things, fear included… and you know what? I felt better.”
The 37-year-old often shares candid posts on InstagramCredit: Instagram/vickypattison
Vicky has openly spoken about life after being diagnosed with PMDDCredit: Instagram/vickypattison
Vicky was just 22 when she found fame on MTV’s Geordie ShoreCredit: Not known clear with picture desk
Charlotte-Letitia Crosby, Vicky Pattison, Holly Hagan and Sophie Kasaei of Geordie ShoreCredit: Getty – Contributor
Vicky has also told how her Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), which she first discussed publicly in 2023 following a five-year journey to get a diagnosis, can cause “anxiety.”
Appearing puffy-eyed in one tear-filled Instagram post, the Ex on the Beach star candidly penned: “There are a few things that exacerbate my anxiety.
“When I’m tired, overworked and just not looking after myself properly I don’t feel as though I have the energy to fight off the intrusive dark thoughts. I also just feel like I’m more susceptible to that negative self talk when I’m low & burnt out.”
She continued: “My condition [PMDD] can cause panic attacks, anxiety, insomnia and exhaustion. In some moments there can be suicidal thoughts.”
But while the media personality’s life has been quite the rollercoaster, there’s been one constant she’s had by her side for the last six years – her now hubby, Ercan Ramadan.
The fashion brand businessman, who she married in a registry office in London in August 2024, before having a larger wedding celebration in Puglia, Italy, is allegedly “worried” about Vicky’s full-on Strictly regime.
Ercan is of course very worried that the gruelling Strictly “regime” could tip her over the edge
A source close to Vicky
The source claimed: “When she’s leading a healthy lifestyle, exercising, eating well and taking care of herself, Vicky feels good – she’s confident and happy. But it’s definitely a concern if she becomes overworked, too stressed and too tired. Who knows what it could trigger?”
“Ercan is of course very worried that the gruelling Strictly ‘regime’ could tip her over the edge so he’s having to make sure she’s slowing down, she’s eating enough, she’s eating healthy food and she’s getting time to rest and also do what fills her cup – quiet time with him where they can just be together and the dogs.
“The most important thing in this is Vicky is enjoying herself and wants to put the hours in.
“She’s leading the charge from a very strong headspace and Ercan is keeping a very close eye on things and is prepared to step in to protect Vicky if he needs to.”
THE JUNGLE DAYS
After receiving a whopping 80% of the vote to be crowned Queen of the jungle in 2015, winning ‘I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!’ should’ve been the highlight of Vicky’s career.
But according to a source close to Vicky, that’s when the self-doubt started to creep in.
They said: “After winning the Jungle in 2015 Vicky wouldn’t listen to people who were telling her it was ‘her time to shine’ and how ‘brilliant’ she was and she was consumed by this desire to run back home and hide.
“She didn’t want her life to change and she wanted everything to go back to normal – she had achieved a level of fame that was too much to comprehend, she was TV’s new Holly Willoughby and ITV’s biggest new star but she couldn’t accept it.
“It was a really difficult time for her – nobody knew what she was going through but she felt like she had to live up to this hype, it was like the pressure was too much to be who people thought she was, she partied hard around that time and she was drinking lots again to numb her insecurities so really, she ended up throwing it away and eventually life DID almost go back to normal.”
In January 2022, the Heart radio host and author appeared on Lorraine and revealed how she used alcohol to ‘quell’ her insecurities.
She said: “To quell the insecurity I drank, it was a scary and dark time for me. Everyone goes through certain things in life and it makes you.
“I have dealt with my fair share of struggles but now I’m on my way to being a healthy and happy woman. And I want to help other people feel the same.”
Vicky said she hated the person she become when she was heavily drinkingCredit: Instagram/vickypattison
Vicky and Ercan had a big wedding celebration in Puglia, ItalyCredit: Instagram/vickypattison
SPIRALLING OUT OF CONTROL
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Sun, she explained how drink took over her life after she started downing 10 drinks every day – adding that she hated the person she become.
She said: “I drank pretty much every day. I would have about ten drinks a day. Wine, spirits, anything really.
“I begged for days off work. Then I’d feel even lonelier and drink more.”
Vicky went on to say how she was “determined” not to end up in the same situation as her father John who has been in and out of rehab.
She continued: “I had everything I ever wanted. The public liked us, I’d left behind Geordie Shore and I had this new shiny career.
“But I was convinced that people would realise I wasn’t anything special and it would all be taken away and I was turning up late for jobs. I don’t think I ever turned up drunk, I always slept, but I was not in a fit state to work.
‘When you’re doing talk shows you want to be witty and warm, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, not still shaking off the lethargy of five gin and tonics.
“I hated myself back then. I work very hard to not become that person.”
According to the source, after leaving her Loose Women job in 2016, Vicky’s daily TV work dried up.
They claimed: “She didn’t feel like she was capable of holding down a regular daily job – the overwhelming pressure to perform was just too much.
“She did star on Celebrity Masterchef after she left Loose Women and she did incredible well on that too – it turned out cooking was very therapeutic for her and she loved it.”
But when Vicky should have been celebrating her wins and loving life, they alleged that she was “privately struggling.”
They said: “It was a while until she landed another major show – two years later she was on SAS Who Dares Wins. She was still landing huge major shows but they were far less frequent so she was spending more and more time at home and life did eventually go back to normal.
“Friends feared Vicky had really thrown it all away as she hadn’t coped well with the overnight success. Unfortunately alcohol was to blame for a big part of it and it probably didn’t help her help herself.”
Vicky Pattison’s Career History
Geordie Shore (2011-2014): Vicky Pattison first gained public attention as a cast member of the MTV reality series. The show, which premiered in 2011, chronicles the lives of a group of young adults living together in Newcastle upon Tyne. Vicky quickly became one of the standout personalities on the show due to her outspoken nature. She remained a key cast member until her departure in 2014.
Ex on the Beach (2014): In 2014, Vicky Pattison joined the first ever season of Ex on the Beach, an MTV reality series that brings together singles and their ex-partners for a dramatic beachside experience. She navigated complicated relationships and explosive confrontations, particularly with her ex-boyfriend, Ricci Guarnaccio, who also appeared on the series. Vicky’s time on the show was marked by her outspoken nature and candid approach to resolving past romantic issues.
I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! (2015): In 2015, Vicky participated in the fifteenth series of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, where she emerged as the winner. Her down-to-earth personality and resilience throughout the series won over both viewers and critics, significantly boosting her popularity.
Celebrity MasterChef (2019): Vicky showcased a different side of her personality as she competed in the celebrity cooking competition. She made it to the final after demonstrating her culinary skills, and later joked that her family fell out with her because they “think I’ve been able to cook for years and have just hidden it”.
Loose Women (2015 – 2019): The celeb made appearances as a guest panelist on the show, but later criticised the production team for encouraging her to ‘push’ guests to open up on emotional topics when they were on the verge of tears. Vicky ended up in tears on the chat show herself in 2016, when she participated in an experiment about self image. The star could be seen breaking down as she listened back to a video where she listed all the negative comments she makes to herself in her mind.
This Morning: Made several guest appearances. In one she spoke about being traumatised by her break up with fiancé John Noble, and in another Vicky delved into a personal documentary she made about alcoholism.
Second-Hand Showdown: Vicky currently hosts the fashion show on Channel 4.
Being in the limelight has also meant that Vicky has come under constant scrutiny – including when she came under fire in 2016 following an erratic appearance on ITV’s The Xtra Factor.
She was seen pulling faces on the show and frantically moving her jaw – leading some to accuse her of ‘gurning’ while live on air – and she fell under similar suspicion when she began moving her jaw in a similar way during her time on the jungle show.
However, she was quick to shut it down and told Daily Star: “In what world would I have been able to take drugs into the jungle. It’s completely mad!”
“It must have looked odd, but for me it’s normal. I couldn’t even get a Mars bar in there, so what makes people think I could get drugs? It’s ridiculous!”
VICKY’S ROCK
Vicky has won over a whole new army of fans with her very honest and tear-jerking revelations on Strictly.
In one emotional moment, the proud Geordie welled up as she told host Claudia Winkleman: “I haven’t really done an awful lot of stuff to make the North East proud, especially at the start of my career, so it feels really nice to be able to turn a corner on Strictly and have all my family and friends watch us and maybe make them proud.“
But there’s no bigger supporter than her husband, who has remained by her side through thick and thin.
“Vicky is a homebody and she loves her life at home with Ercan and her dogs – they are her happy place,” the source said.
“Getting married offered her that feeling of peace that she had been craving, but ultimately it helped her confidence too. Ercan is her biggest fan.”
After a quieter few years, the loved up couple filmed their wedding for a two-part reality special on E4 called ‘Vicky Pattison: My Big Fat Geordie Wedding’ and according to the source, that’s when she “started to get the TV bug back.”
The TV presenter watched best pal Pete Wicks come fifth with professional dancer Jowita Przystał on Strictly, and witnessed the likes of Olivia Attwood dominate the screen to become a Loose Woman and front her own TV shows.
So when the offer of Strictly come up, Vicky “felt ready to regain her crown,” the source continued.
They added: “Vicky finally feels ready to not only be a star again but after years of self doubt, anxiety and struggles she was determined to enjoy herself this time…she’s been Queen of the jungle and she can be Queen of the dancefloor too.”
And with Ercan by her side, the close friend believes Vicky is “finally willing to accept she deserves to be there” and is determined to “enjoy her moment in the spotlight again.”
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They concluded: “Ercan is her rock…he is the best thing to ever happen to her and he has completely transformed her life from those crazy party days to now.
“He is the real reason she now believes in herself enough to grab these new opportunities by the balls and go for it.”
The source says Vicky’s husband Ercan is her absolute ‘rock’Credit: Instagram
Ercan is allegedly ‘worried that the gruelling Strictly ‘regime’ could tip Vicky over the edge’Credit: Getty
Ercan is Vicky’s biggest fan and the couple enjoy spending quality time togetherCredit: Instagram/vickypattison
