Copyright birminghammail
Vicky Pattison was moved to tears on Saturday night's episode of Strictly Come Dancing . The 37 year old Geordie Shore star had just finished her American Smooth with professional partner Kai Widdrington, and was already feeling the pressure of being the first to perform. The dance, choreographed to Bonnie Tyler's 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' and featuring Vicky as a white witch in line with Halloween Week, was well received. Read more Tess Daly's 'very positive reason' for quitting Strictly Come Dancing after 21 years She garnered praise from judges Craig Revel Horwood , Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas , earning a score of 31 and even a standing ovation. However, it was Motsi's prediction that she could make it to the final that left the former Loose Women panellist utterly stunned. Motsi commented: "A few weeks ago, I couldn't believe that you'd open our show. I loved the character play in the beginning, you did it so, so well. "So for me, you are a contender for the final. Honestly. And I just want you to finish everything, make everything nice and clean." Motsi's remarks were met with applause from the audience, leading Vicky to break down in tears of happiness. As she rushed over to be interviewed by Claudia Winkleman, her tears continued to flow as she confessed: "I hated going first! Honestly, I loved this dance this week because for once I had a foundation to build on. "I wasn't just starting from scratch and feeling so inadequate. I was just desperate to prove that I have improved.", reports the Mirror . The previous week proved particularly moving for Vicky as she courageously discussed her journey in the entertainment industry since rising to prominence in her early twenties, before delivering her Couple's Choice routine to Cheryl's Fight For This Love and receiving a personal message from the Girls Aloud legend. During the pre-performance package, Vicky reflected: "I first started out in this industry at about 21 and I made some bad decisions. I just don't think at that age I had the tools to navigate that space I was in. "Now I do my best to be a better version of myself - someone I can look in the mirror and feel alright about." She continued: "What I've learnt about myself is that with determination and a little bit of self-belief, you can achieve stuff." Becoming emotional whilst explaining her track selection, she added: "Apart from being a banger is a very important song to me. The whole idea that the comeback is greater than the setback. "You can have the life you want. You can change the narrative. You can be who you want to be, not letting the past define you. I think that's really powerful. "I worked on myself and now I'm here in a place that makes us really happy and I'm finally becoming a woman I'm proud of." After completing her performance, Vicky was stunned when her idol sent her a special video message. As Cheryl materialised on the screen, the reality television personality gasped and leapt about excitedly upon learning she had been monitoring her journey on the programme. Cheryl praised her fellow Geordie before expressing how "honoured and humbled" she felt to be chosen as an icon. She continued: "I know you've got it in you because you're a Geordie. "So go on, get out there. Fight for your place and I'm sending you loads of love. I'll be rooting for you from home." A delighted Vicky joked about how incredible it was that Cheryl even recognised her, as she remained visibly stunned by the message.
