Viewers of BBC’s *Strictly Come Dancing* reacted strongly to the elimination of Vicky Pattison and her dance partner Kai Widdrington. The couple faced a dance-off against Balvinder Sopal and her professional partner Julian Caillon on November 16, 2023. The judging panel, which included Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke, unanimously decided to save Sopal and Caillon, leading to the end of Pattison and Widdrington’s journey in the competition.
Fans of the show took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to voice their opinions on what they perceived as a critical factor in the pair’s failure. Many viewers expressed that the choice of song for their performance—a Jive to Girls Aloud’s hit “Sound of the Underground”—was unsuitable and hindered their chances. One user remarked, “Vicky and Kai were done dirty unfortunately, that song choice just made it so bloody difficult for her to succeed,” while another stated, “The song was wrong for the dance, and it cost her.”
The consensus among fans was that the song selection negatively impacted the performance, with comments highlighting how it seemed to clash with the rhythm expected for a Jive routine. Another viewer stated, “That really was a shocking song choice for a Jive; it’s like they were having to fight the music the entire time.” The reactions underscore a broader sentiment that song choices play a crucial role in the competition.
Reflecting on her departure, Vicky Pattison shared her thoughts with presenter Tess Daly. “It was so lovely while it lasted, and I’ve had the nicest time,” she said. She acknowledged the challenges of the week, expressing gratitude for the experience. “I didn’t think I’d get past week one and I’m really honoured to have shared this experience with so many amazing people,” she added, emphasizing her appreciation for Widdrington. “I don’t want to sound too cheesy, but you’ve been the best partner a girl can ask for,” she said, addressing him directly.
Pattison continued, “I’m so sorry I didn’t get you to Blackpool, but I feel like I’ve won just by having you as my partner, and I’m so grateful.” Her emotional farewell resonated with fans, many of whom appreciated her candidness about the pressure she felt during the competition. “I’ve never danced before sober and here I am—sober as a judge!” she concluded, highlighting her growth throughout the show.
The upcoming *Strictly Come Dancing* Blackpool Specials are set to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 18:35 on Saturday and 19:15 on Sunday, promising more exciting performances as the competition continues. The show’s unique blend of talent, drama, and viewer engagement ensures a captivated audience as it progresses towards its finale.
