Vicky Pattison has revealed she went back to therapy before taking part in Strictly and weighed in on the controversy surrounding contestants with dance experience.

The former reality star, 37, took to social media on Friday as she candidly shared the reason she returned to therapy was to cope with her nerves.

In a lengthy post, Vicky told fans: ‘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…

‘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 a while.

‘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.’

Vicky continued by saying how she started doing things for herself which included going back to therapy, spending quality time with people she loves including her husband and practicing self care.

Vicky Pattison, 37, has revealed she went back to therapy before taking part in Strictly and weighed in on the controversy surrounding contestants with dance experience

The former reality star took to social media on Friday as she candidly shared the reason she returned to therapy was to cope with her nerves

The star, who is partnered with Kai Widdrington, admitted she nearly turned down Strictly over anxiety but vowed not to let fear hold her back.

She added: ‘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.’

Meanwhile, Vicky also addressed some of this year’s celebrity lineup having prior dance experience.

The I’m A Celeb winner brushed off concerns about facing co-stars with professional stage experience on the BBC show.

This years line up includes the likes of Amber Davies, who has starred in 9 to 5 The Musical and Back To The Future, as well as Emmerdale’s Lewis Cope, who once played the lead in Billy Elliot on stage.

It has also emerged he previously took part on Sky show Got To Dance where he was a member of a troupe called Ruff Diamond and reached the final of the 2013 series, finishing in fourth place.

Harry also already knows his way around the dance floor.

She told fans: ‘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’ (pictured with her therapists The Speakmans)

In a lengthy post she urged fans to face their fears, saying anxiety shouldn’t stop them chasing amazing opportunities

She also said she has been spending quality time with people she loves including her husband (pictured) and practicing self care

Meanwhile, Vicky also addressed some of this year’s celebrity lineup having prior dance experience

Whilst the Team GB sprinter doesn’t have any professional dance experience, he did take part in the 2024 Strictly Christmas special with Nancy Xu, which could give him an advantage when it comes to learning the steps in rehearsals.

EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal also revealed she previously ‘dabbled’ in Latin and ballroom dancing as a hobby.

But rather than seeing it as unfair, Vicky has insisted the mix of abilities is part of the magic of the show.

She told The Sun: ‘Every year Strictly has people of different abilities, doesn’t it? Some people who have never danced before, totally inexperienced, and some people maybe did ballet before as kids, some people a bit more’

She added that she didn’t feel it was a ‘big problem’ and that experience in one genre doesn’t guarantee success on the ballroom floor saying: ‘Just because someone’s experienced in one, doesn’t mean they’re experienced in another.’

And far from feeling overshadowed, Vicky reckons viewers actually benefit from having strong performers in the mix early on.

She said: ‘I do think it’s nice for the viewers at home that they get to watch some really good dancers early doors… there are still some really brilliant performances to watch and everyone goes on a journey.’