STRICTLY Come Dancing’s Vicky Pattison has received rave reviews after being told she “could actually probably, maybe, possibly go all the way” by head judge Shirley Ballas.
But despite impressing with her Cha-Cha-Cha in week one and winning a new legion of fans, away from the disco balls and dancefloor, there’s another battle the 37-year-old is facing.
And, according to a friend close to Vicky, she’s terrified it’ll cripple her chances in the much-loved dance show.
Speaking exclusively to Fabulous, the source claimed: “Vicky has really struggled with this huge imposter syndrome and her confidence for years, since winning the jungle.
“She came home to such fanfare, she was making a fortune and landing all these massive and amazing new jobs like becoming a Loose Woman – it was huge for little Vicky off Geordie Shore, she just couldn’t believe it.
“But it was so overwhelming for her she just crumbled. She really struggled behind the scenes because she didn’t believe she was good enough to be there.”
Vicky Pattison left on brink of tears after critique from Strictly judges
Vicky has really struggled with this huge imposter syndrome and her confidence for years, since winning the jungle
A source close to Vicky
They continued: “Now the pressure, spotlight and demand for her has rammed up again with Strictly and with that, of course, I expect Vicky is terrified it’ll happen again.
‘It’s something she battles with every day. She’s consciously having to use the tools she’s learnt in therapy to cope with fame and her success and to allow herself to thrive and grow and to stop these imposter syndrome feelings and emotions.”
A CONSTANT BATTLE
Imposter syndrome – a psychological pattern that makes those who suffer from it doubt themselves and their accomplishment – is something Vicky has openly discussed in the lead up to the BBC dance competition.
Speaking to Mail Online, she said: “I’m feeling a lot of anxiety about Strictly. I know I should just be excited to be considered for shows like this – I didn’t feel anything like this when I went in the [I’m A Celebrity] jungle.
“Maybe it’s a bit of imposter syndrome, maybe it’s working-class feelings of being undeserving. Maybe it’s deep-rooted self-doubt.”
The Strictly Come Dancing contestant, who was just 22 when she found fame on MTV’s Geordie Shore, even broke down in tears during a press day ahead of the launch show.
“I thought I was doing an alright job of hiding it but obviously I’m not,” she said. ”I’m just out of my comfort zone and it’s really scary when you’re out of your comfort zone and I am a bit overwhelmed.”
