Strictly Come Dancing 2025 delivered its most jaw-dropping moment of the series this weekend, sending shockwaves through the BBC studio and living rooms across the nation as a hugely popular couple was voted off.
A Birthday Boot for a Favourite
In a dramatic Sunday night results show, Vicky Pattison and her professional partner Kai Widdrington found their Strictly journey cut short. The couple faced the dreaded dance-off against EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal and her partner Julian Caillon.
This was the first time Vicky and Kai had landed in the bottom two, a stark contrast to Balvinder, who has now survived an impressive four dance-offs. Despite her underdog status, the judges unanimously decided to save Balvinder and Julian, sending the 38-year-old Geordie Shore star home on her birthday.
From Leaderboard Top to Shock Exit
The elimination left everyone stunned, particularly as Vicky and Kai had topped the leaderboard just the previous week with a show-stopping Taylor Swift tango. Their fortunes plummeted this weekend with a jive to Sound of the Underground that failed to capture the judges' favour.
In the crucial dance-off, both couples reprised their routines. Vicky and Kai performed their jive once more, while Balvinder and Julian delivered their American smooth to My Guy by Mary Wells. When the moment of truth arrived, judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke all voted to save Balvinder and Julian. Craig Revel Horwood agreed, meaning his casting vote was not needed.
Gracious Goodbyes and Social Media Fury
Speaking to host Tess Daly after her elimination, Vicky remained remarkably gracious. 'It was so lovely while it lasted, and I've had the nicest time,' she said. 'I knew this week was a difficult one for me, and I tried my hardest, as I have every week. Listen, I didn't think I'd get past week 1.'
She paid a heartfelt tribute to her partner, telling Kai, 'I don't want to sound too cheesy, but you've been the best partner a girl can ask for.' Vicky expressed her disappointment at not reaching the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom, a key milestone in the Strictly calendar, telling Kai, 'I'm so sorry I didn't get you to Blackpool.'
Kai returned the compliment, telling Vicky: 'You are everything that this series is about. Strong, confident, independent – and all that I can say is, I have loved every single second.'
Meanwhile, viewers took to social media in droves to express their disbelief and outrage at the result.
One stunned viewer declared on X: 'Whoa hang on.. that isn't right!!'
Another added: 'I expected this DO combo but not that result! Fully thought the judges would save Vicky based on what she's done until now and viewing her potential.'
One fan echoed the sentiment of many: 'I'M SHOCKED!! Vicky's jive wasn't great but I really thought she'd have the public support!!'
The sense of shock was palpable, with another viewer stating they had 'genuinely thought [Vicky] was a finalist', while others argued that the 'wrong person went home'.
What's Next for Strictly?
With Vicky's elimination, seven celebrities remain in the competition for the coveted Glitter Ball trophy:
- Amber Davies
- Lewis Cope
- La Voix
- Karen Carney
- Alex Kingston
- George Clarke
- Balvinder Sopal
The show now moves to its iconic Blackpool special next week, promising an all-dancing extravaganza from the world-famous Tower Ballroom. The Blackpool episode airs next Saturday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 6:35pm, with the results following at 7:15pm on Sunday.
Tonight's results show also featured a spectacular routine from the professional dancers, who teamed up with street dance troupe Diversity, and a performance by singer Olly Murs of Run This Town, accompanied by Amy Dowden, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Nancy Xu.
