Imagine spotting a celebrity who looks like a completely different person from her wild, party-filled past—now that's a transformation that grabs your attention and makes you wonder how she pulled it off! Vicky Pattison, the star of Strictly Come Dancing, has fans buzzing with her elegant moves alongside partner Kai Widdrington this season. But here's where it gets intriguing: a rare throwback photo from her early Geordie Shore days reveals a youthful, fresh-faced Vicky in her twenties, back when she first exploded onto TV screens over ten years ago. It's a stark reminder of her journey from reality TV rebel to one of Britain's most admired and versatile personalities. For those new to this, Geordie Shore is that addictive MTV reality show known for its outrageous antics and partying in Newcastle—think drama, hookups, and non-stop fun that hooked millions worldwide.
Vicky's impressive career path
If you're not familiar with her story, Vicky Pattison burst onto the scene as a key player on Geordie Shore from 2011 to 2014, where she quickly became a fan favorite for her bold personality and unfiltered moments. That stint catapulted her to stardom, leading to her crowning as Queen of the Jungle on I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2015, where she tackled grueling challenges in the Australian outback and won hearts with her resilience and humor. Since then, she's been a mainstay across major networks like MTV, ITV, Channel 5, Channel 4, and TLC. Picture this: she fronted the powerful Channel 4 documentary Vicky Pattison: Alcohol, Dad and Me, delving into personal struggles with addiction and family issues in a way that inspired many viewers to confront their own demons. She even battled through to the finale of Celebrity MasterChef, showcasing her cooking skills under pressure, and endured the intense physical and mental tests of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, proving she's got guts beyond the dance floor.
Now, at 37, Vicky is juggling multiple roles with grace. She's the host of a lively Saturday afternoon radio show on Heart FM, and she co-hosts popular podcasts like Get A Grip with Angela Scanlon and Love Bombed on BBC Sounds, where she chats about relationships, self-improvement, and life's ups and downs. On top of that, she's balancing the demanding rehearsals for her first-ever Strictly Come Dancing appearance—talk about a packed schedule!
Facing those pre-show jitters
Before her debut on the live Strictly show, Vicky opened up about feeling 'absolutely riddled with nerves and anxiety' about hitting the dance floor. In an honest social media post accompanied by a photo of her looking visibly moved, she shared: '[This snap is] from the day my agent rang and said I'd landed @bbcstrictly. As a long-time viewer and massive fan of the show... I genuinely couldn't fathom why they'd pick someone like me. Actually, I still can't… When the butterflies intensify tomorrow—and they will—I'll recall this feeling... the sheer luck of being part of such an incredible program, mastering a fresh talent, and building a new support network... all these wonderful aspects.' It's a relatable moment that shows even seasoned stars get the wobbles.
Reflecting on her roots
And this is the part most people miss: Vicky has been refreshingly open about how her Geordie Shore experience shaped her self-image. In a 2023 chat with PA news agency, she admitted: 'Those years on Geordie Shore only strengthened my belief that I might not be cut out for much, and I'm fortunate I've turned that reality TV chapter into a lasting career—using my voice for positive change.' Her words highlight a common theme for many in the spotlight: the struggle to escape the stereotypes from early fame. Yet, despite her mixed feelings about that phase, Vicky has clearly surpassed her own goals. Fans can catch her lighting up the stage once more on Strictly Come Dancing this Saturday night on BBC One.
But here's where it gets controversial: Can someone truly reinvent themselves after a rowdy reality TV start, or does that past always linger like a shadow? Some might argue that Vicky's story is a triumph of personal growth, proving that with hard work and platform power, you can shift from 'party girl' to role model. Others wonder if the media's quick judgments trap stars in those early labels forever, making real change harder. What do you think—has Vicky fully shed her Geordie Shore persona, or is it still a part of her appeal? Do you believe reality TV alumni can ever escape their origins, or should they embrace them? Share your thoughts in the comments—I'm curious to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a different take!
