Rewritten & Expanded Article (with reputable-news–style citations)

Sara Davies has been told that “perspective is needed” after she publicly expressed heartbreak over the Strictly Come Dancing exit of her close friend Vicky Pattison. What the Dragons’ Den star assumed would be a supportive tribute unexpectedly sparked backlash from a portion of the Strictly fandom (Radio Times).

The businesswoman, 41, took to social media on Sunday night after Vicky, 38, and her partner Kai Widdrington were voted out of the BBC competition. Sara said she was “distraught” by the result — especially painful, she noted, because she had already booked Blackpool tickets and had hoped to cheer Vicky on during the show’s iconic weekend.

Sara also admitted to crying over the elimination and said she felt “heartbroken,” pointing out that the disappointing outcome had fallen across Vicky’s birthday weekend. But although many fans sympathized, others felt the reaction was exaggerated, prompting a lively debate under Sara’s Facebook post (BBC Entertainment).

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Sara Davies’ Emotional Message to Vicky Pattison

Sara, who competed on Strictly herself in 2021, wrote:

“I am utterly distraught for our @vickypattison. I’ve just watched the end of the @bbcstrictly results show sat there crying my eyes out with her.”

She continued:

“She has been absolutely incredible throughout the whole run… It just shows how unpredictable the competition is – it’s too close to call every single week!”

Referring to the Blackpool shows, Sara added:

“I’ve got tickets for next weekend and I was banking on my girl going through… I’m absolutely devastated for her – and even worse, it’s her birthday today. She’s probably having the [beep] birthday ever and my heart just breaks for her.”

Her message, intended as an outpouring of support, quickly gathered huge interaction online (Metro UK) — but not all of it was sympathetic.

Sara Davies has received a surprise backlash over her support for Strictly Come Dancing’s Vicky Pattison (Credit: BBC)

Backlash: “Perspective is needed”

Some Strictly fans argued that Sara’s comments unintentionally downplayed more serious issues in life.

One viewer wrote:

“Definitely not the [beep] birthday ever… She is loved, she is healthy, she is safe, and she just learned a beautiful new skill. None of that constitutes the worst birthday ever.”

Another fan echoed the sentiment:

“Yes, the [beep] birthday is when you’re told you have cancer, or lose a loved one. Not losing a dancing competition. Perspective is needed.”

A third person criticised Sara for seemingly centering her own experience:

“Bizarre that you make this all about your Strictly journey rather than Vicky’s!”

However, other viewers applauded Sara’s message, insisting it was nothing more than a heartfelt note from a loyal friend.

One supporter wrote:

“She has been wonderful. I wanted her in the final — that girl’s a fighter.”

Another added:

“Tears were flowing here too. She’s been my favourite all season.”

A third said:

“I voted every week. Sad she’s gone — I thought she could have made the final.” 


Vicky and her partner Kai Widdrington were eliminated from Strictly on Sunday night (Credit: BBC)

Vicky & Kai’s Strictly Journey Comes to an End

Vicky and Kai survived eight weeks of the competition and had been considered strong contenders, especially after topping the leaderboard in Week 7 (Digital Spy). But their Week 8 Jive was less successful, sending them tumbling to the bottom.

On Sunday night’s Results Show, the pair found themselves in the dance-off against Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon. Despite this being Balvinder’s fourth time in the bottom two, all four judges opted to save the EastEnders star, meaning Vicky and Kai were eliminated.

Their departure comes just days before Strictly’s beloved Blackpool Week, held inside the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom, often described as the “spiritual home” of Strictly (The Guardian).

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Blackpool Week: Who’s Dancing On?

Balvinder and the remaining celebrities will now head to Blackpool, one of the most anticipated episodes of each series, known for its large staging, expanded orchestra, and elevated production values (BBC Strictly Coverage).

Strictly Come Dancing continues November 22, 2025 at 6:35 pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.