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Vicky Pattison shared a heartfelt post to Instagram

Vicky Pattison has revealed she nearly said no to Strictly Come Dancing, admitting her battle with nerves and anxiety nearly kept her from joining the BBC show.

The 37-year-old reality TV star, best known for her appearances on Geordie Shore, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! and Loose Women are currently competing on the hit dance competition and have been paired with professional dancer Kai Widdrington for the 2025 series.

The pair have made a strong start in the competition, impressing judges and viewers at home because of their performances. In week one, they scored an impressive 23 for their cha cha to The Emotions’ Best Of My Love. But despite her stunning performances on screen, Vicky has now opened up about the emotional struggle behind the scenes, taking to Instagram to share just how close she came to turning the opportunity down. She 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..”

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Vicky opened up about her struggles outside of the show

The star was met with tons of support from fans

“But I absolutely don’t want that nasty little inner critic to dictate my life.. I don’t want it to convince me that I’m not capable of doing brilliant things once in awhile. So I put on my big girl pants and instead I tried to get myself in the best possible place before I started this little journey.

She continued, “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.

“You might not be doing strictly, but we all get the opportunity to do exciting and amazing things in our lives and I just wanted this to be your sign to go for it. Whether it’s the career change, the blind date, the solo trip… Just go for it. Anxiety is our brain trying to convince us that the worst possible outcome is going to be your reality… but it doesn’t have to be.

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Vicky is paired with Kai Widdrington this year

“Whatever happens tomorrow, I’ve tried my best, made loads of lovely new friends and had a ball… and my brain almost convinced me not to do this!.”

She went on to share a positive message with fans, saying, “If any of this resonates with you, please stop getting in your own way… you are brave, brilliant and powerful beyond measure..

“And there’s a whole exciting world of amazing things waiting for you… if you just get out of your comfort zone and go for it once in awhile. We get one life and we all deserve to turn our vision boards into our camera roll..”

Vicky was quickly met with huge support from her followers, as one person dubbed her an “inspirational.”

Another person said, “we’re all very proud of you vicky. you’ve got this, you have all of us rooting for you x.” A third person wrote, “Darling girl you are so brave to bare your soul. But honestly, you have got this and I so look forward to watching you grow as a dancer. Sending lots of love to those little feet.”

It comes as earlier this year, the reality TV star opened up about being diagnosed with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). The symptoms of PMS include mood swings, feeling depressed, irritable, upset, anxious, or emotional, according to the NHS.

Vicky candidly admitted she struggled for five years with her symptoms being dismissed by doctors before receiving a diagnosis, and she is now an outspoken advocate for women’s health, calling for improved education and support for those with PMDD and other conditions.