Vicky Pattison and Dani Dyer say they won’t fall victim to the Strictly curse as they join the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing lineup, noting that their husbands are too gorgeous to lure away. The pair spoke about their nerves for the new season and the reality of performing live on television, telling Weekend magazine that the live format is what truly unsettles them even more than the dancing itself.
They describe the moment they first met the season’s pool of pros and the glamor surrounding the studio sessions, with Pattison recalling the opening energy as “the tiniest professional dancers carved by angels.” Dani Dyer echoed that sense of awe, admitting that the live show’s unforgiving nature has long been a barrier, and that even before a single routine is learned, the thought of performing live in front of millions can feel petrifying. The two quickly formed a bond, trading nerves and a little gossip in WhatsApp chats as they gear up for the launch. They also made clear they aren’t chasing a so-called curse: both have strong support systems at home, including husbands Jarrod Bowen and Ercan Ramadan, who Pattison jokes are “too gorgeous” to drift away from their partners amid the competition.
The pair say they’ve used preparation and positive energy to frame this experience as a genuine opportunity rather than a trap. They’ve both described their journeys toward Strictly as something they felt they had manifested in different ways. Pattison says she once created a vision board that included wedding dresses, engagement rings, puppies, and even a photo of Gemma Atkinson in sequins with Pattison’s head superimposed on top, a playful symbol of the ambition she now pursues. Dani, meanwhile, credits her mother-in-law’s belief in the show’s potential to pull her into the Strictly orbit. She describes her mother-in-law as a “white witch” who handed her manifestation cards and crystals and encouraged a mindset focused on positive energy. Dani adds that since embracing those practices, things in her life—professional and personal—have shifted in meaningful ways.
Both women have used their platforms to talk about what’s at stake beyond the dance floor. Pattison has discussed her experiences with Geordie Shore and how public perception can still shape opportunities years later, noting that she’s now pursuing documentary projects and radio work while continuing to grow her family and career. Dani, who rose to fame on Love Island in 2018, says her father, Danny Dyer, has long impressed on her the importance of staying true to herself and not letting the noise of public scrutiny erode who she is. She also emphasizes the practical support system behind her marriage to Jarrod Bowen, the West Ham captain she wed at the start of the summer. The couple welcomed twins Summer and Star via a previous relationship for Dani, while their blended family includes Dani’s four-year-old son Santiago (Santi) from her relationship with Sammy Kimmence.
While both women enter Strictly with a sense of humor about the prospect of the infamous “Strictly curse,” they remain focused on the live-performance challenge. Dani jokes about the reality of a newlywed schedule and the realities of balancing the show with motherhood, while Pattison notes that her husband—Brazilian businessman Ercan Ramadan—has been a steady anchor through a period of personal growth. Pattison also reflects on the path that brought them to this moment, including her own past relationships and the sense of maturity that comes with age. The couple’s marriage last year and Pattison’s decision to freeze eggs reflect plans for the future and a willingness to pursue opportunities that fit their family timelines.
The 2025 lineup includes a mix of celebrities from different corners of entertainment: Gladiator Nitro, actor Alex Kingston, Stefan Dennis, Lewis Cope, Balvinder Sopal, former footballers Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Karen Carney, drag artist La Voix, former rugby star Chris Robshaw, model Ellie Goldstein, and television personalities Thomas Skinner and Ross King. Pattison and Dani say the variety of backgrounds is exciting, offering both familiar faces and new energy that will likely shape the tone of this season’s competition. Both acknowledge the importance of keeping expectations in check while remaining open to the unexpected moments that live television can deliver.
The women’s reflections on their past experiences in the public eye provide a broader context for their approach to Strictly this year. Pattison has discussed growing up in the reality-TV ecosystem, acknowledging that she’s grateful for the opportunities it has afforded but that she has also had to do significant personal work to feel secure in her evolving career and personal identity. Dani speaks about the influence of her parents, especially her father, who has long guided her toward authenticity and resilience in a demanding industry. The couple’s families are expected to attend at key moments, including Dani’s mother Joanne and her father, Danny Dyer, who have both shown their support and enthusiasm for her Strictly journey.
The road to the dance floor is framed by a blend of ambition, support, and practical planning. Pattison has discussed her journey toward motherhood and adult life, including the possibility of expanding her family in the future. She has also described her own PMDD diagnosis and the impact it has had on her life. Her decision to speak openly about the condition and to pursue advocacy follows years of experience with medical miscommunications and the stigma surrounding women's health issues. Earlier this year, Pattison wrote to Health Secretary Wes Streeting to request a meeting on the topic, and she says he has agreed to a face-to-face discussion next month. The candid conversation underscores how this season’s cast members bring more to the screen than dance steps: they are using their platform to address real-world challenges that intersect with their public roles.
Dani and Vicky acknowledge the challenge of balancing a demanding show with family life and personal growth. They note the importance of a supportive network, including friends from the entertainment world who have offered advice for managing nerves and maintaining perspective. Angela Scanlon, a Strictly 2023 contestant, and Pete Wicks, a Strictly 2024 alumnus, have been cited by Pattison as sources of practical guidance as she prepares for her first live appearance on the Strictly stage. The pair say they plan to lean on these connections and on each other as they navigate the intense lead-up to the premiere.
Strictly Come Dancing returns Saturday night, 6.40 p.m. on BBC1 and iPlayer, with Pattison and Dani among the contestants eager to begin the journey and fans awaiting the live performances that will determine this season’s rhythm, drama, and surprises.