The sequins are sparkling brighter than ever, and Vicky Pattison is stepping into the spotlight with a determination that’s got everyone talking!

The 37-year-old Geordie queen — reality TV icon, podcast powerhouse, and now a bona fide Strictly Come Dancing star — has revealed she’s taking the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour 2026 ‘very seriously’ indeed. And when Vicky says ‘very seriously’, she means business — no half-measures, no phoning it in, just pure, unfiltered passion for the glitterball dream.

In a series of candid interviews ahead of the tour’s explosive kick-off at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on Friday, January 23, 2026, Vicky opened up about why this isn’t just another gig for her. It’s a chance to prove something — to herself, to the fans, and to the ballroom gods themselves.

‘I had an incredible couple of months on Strictly!’ she gushed in one chat, her trademark Geordie accent full of excitement. ‘Now I’m buzzing like an old fridge that I get to continue this amazing experience and put my dancing shoes back on for the Strictly Live tour at arenas all over the country — including my hometown of Newcastle!’

But it’s her next words that really hit home: ‘This is probably the closest I’ll ever get to winning the Glitterball trophy… And it probably never will be again. So I’m taking it very seriously, I’m gonna put on the absolute best show that I can.’

There it is — the raw, honest truth straight from Vicky’s heart. After a rollercoaster run on the main BBC series in 2025, where she danced her socks off alongside hunky pro Kai Widdrington, Vicky didn’t lift the iconic trophy. But now? On the road with 30 dazzling arena dates across the UK (ending with a bang at London’s The O2 from February 13-15), she’s channeling every ounce of that competitive fire into making the tour her personal victory lap.

From Geordie Shore to Glitterball glory: Vicky’s incredible journey

For those who’ve followed Vicky’s wild ride, this level of dedication feels like the perfect full-circle moment.

She first burst onto screens as one of the original stars of Geordie Shore back in 2011 — the party girl with the big personality, the bigger heart, and zero filter. Over the years, she’s reinvented herself time and again: TV presenter, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! queen (crowned in 2015), bestselling author, mental health advocate, and now a respected podcaster with hits like The Secret To.

But Strictly Come Dancing? That was always the dream she never quite believed would come true.

When she was announced for the 2025 series, Vicky admitted she cried for three hours straight — a mix of sheer joy, terror, and overwhelm. ‘I was so excited I couldn’t stop sobbing,’ she later shared. The pressure was immense: stepping into the ballroom as a ‘celebrity’ who’s more known for reality TV antics than technical dance prowess.

Paired with Kai — the charming, patient pro who’s danced with the likes of Angela Rippon and Layton Williams — Vicky threw herself into training with everything she had. Early weeks were tough: nerves, blisters, the relentless pursuit of perfection. She opened up about feeling ‘scary and overwhelming’ at times, but pushed through with Geordie grit.

Viewers watched her blossom — from tentative first dances to confident, emotional performances that earned praise from the judges. Shirley Ballas called her ‘a joy’, Anton Du Beke loved her humor, and even Craig Revel Horwood cracked a smile more than once.

She didn’t win the Mirrorball (that honor went to another deserving couple), but Vicky left the show with something even better: newfound confidence, a deeper love for dance, and a legion of fans who saw her vulnerability and cheered her on.

Why the tour means everything right now

Fast-forward to January 2026, and Vicky’s mindset is crystal clear.

The Strictly Live Tour isn’t just an extension of the TV show — it’s a celebration on steroids. Eight sensational couples hit massive arenas with live music from the iconic Strictly band, guest appearances (including a special return from 2023 finalist Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin), and judging from the legends themselves: Shirley, Anton, and Craig.

Vicky and Kai are performing their Couple’s Choice and Tango routines — dances that fans adored on TV — plus whatever show-stopping extras the tour producers throw in.

But for Vicky, it’s about more than just repeating steps.

‘This is my chance to go all out,’ she explained. ‘On the telly, there’s pressure from the judges, the public vote, the leaderboard. On tour, it’s about giving the fans the best night of their lives. I want to leave everything on that dancefloor every single show.’

She’s been hitting the rehearsal room hard — ‘getting moving again’ after the festive indulgence (she joked on This Morning she’s ‘90% cheese and Baileys’ post-Christmas). The tour’s scale is huge: 30 dates, thousands of screaming fans, pyrotechnics, costume changes, and the electric buzz of live performance.

And let’s not forget — this is Vicky’s hometown tour too. Newcastle’s on the schedule, and performing in front of family, old friends, and fellow Geordies? That’s extra motivation.

‘I’m buzzing to dance in Newcastle,’ she beamed. ‘It’s going to be emotional.’

The personal battles that fuel her fire

Vicky’s determination isn’t just about dance — it’s rooted in deeper resilience.

She’s been incredibly open about her struggles with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), diagnosed in 2023 — a severe form of PMS that brought debilitating physical and mental health challenges. She’s spoken candidly about the pain, the isolation, and the journey to managing it.

‘Strictly gave me something to focus on,’ she reflected in interviews. ‘It forced me to be present, to push my body and mind in ways I hadn’t before. Dancing became therapy.’

Post-show, she admitted the comedown was real — missing the routine, the endorphins, the camaraderie. The tour? It’s the perfect antidote.

‘I’m looking forward to getting back in the training room,’ she told This Morning alongside tour mates George Clarke and La Voix. ‘It’s terrifying in the best way — but I thrive on that.’

The tour line-up: A glittering cast

Vicky isn’t alone in this high-stakes adventure.

The 2026 line-up is stacked: Olympic sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey with Karen Hauer; trailblazing model Ellie Goldstein with Vito Coppola; drag sensation La Voix with Aljaž Škorjanec; Emmerdale‘s Lewis Cope with Katya Jones; former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink with Lauren Oakley; YouTuber George Clarke with Alexis Warr; and special guest Layton Williams reuniting with Nikita.

Host Janette Manrara brings her It Takes Two sparkle, while the judges keep things spicy.

Fans are already snapping up tickets — arenas like The O2, AO Arena Manchester, and Utilita Sheffield are expecting sell-outs.

Why Vicky’s seriousness is winning hearts

In an age where celebrities sometimes coast on fame, Vicky’s all-in attitude stands out.

She’s not treating the tour as a ‘fun jolly’ — she’s approaching it like a professional athlete in peak season. Rehearsals, diet tweaks, mental prep — the lot.

‘She’s got that fire,’ one insider shared. ‘Vicky wants to prove she belongs on that stage, not just as a TV name, but as a dancer who’s earned every step.’

Her co-stars echo the sentiment. Harry Aikines-Aryeetey called the tour ‘a celebration’, while others praise the energy Vicky brings.

As the first show looms, expect tears, triumphs, and plenty of sparkle.

Vicky Pattison isn’t just dancing — she’s chasing redemption, joy, and maybe even that elusive Glitterball moment on the road.

And if her track record is anything to go by? She’s going to deliver one hell of a show.

What do you think — will Vicky steal the tour? Are you grabbing tickets? Sound off in the comments — the ballroom buzz is electric!