Strictly says goodbye to seventh contestant after 'difficult' week – and features 'jaw-dropping' series first

When prompted by co-host Tess Daly to reflect on her time on the show, Vicky said: "It was so lovely while it lasted and I've had the nicest time. 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 one. And I'm really honoured to have shared this experience with so many amazing people. Mostly with this fella [Kai] right here. I don't want to sound too cheesy but [to Kai] you've been the best partner a girl can ask for. I'm so sorry I didn't get you to Blackpool but I feel like I've won just by having you as my partner and I'm so grateful."

When Tess asked Kai about their partnership, the professional dancer replied: "Oh, goodness me. Where do I start? You [to Vicky] are everything that this series is about. Strong, confident, independent – and all that I can say is, I have loved every single second. I'm going to be gutted not coming to Blackpool with you on Monday. But I just want you to know that I feel like I have also won getting you as my partner, and you will live on in Strictly history forever."

Vicky then added: "I'll miss everybody. I enjoyed it loads more than I thought I was going to. And I know I let my nerves get in the way – Shirley, you are right – and I will properly beat myself up over that. But I've never danced before sober and here I am – sober as a judge!"  

Vicky has previously spoken about how much her relationship with alcohol has changed over the years, especially after making her documentary Vicky Pattison: Alcohol, Dad and Me, in which she confronted the impact that addiction and alcohol has had on those around her. Back in May, she told The Guardian: "My dad is ill. He's an alcoholic, and he always will be an alcoholic, quite profoundly. Some days he's winning that battle, and other days he's not." She later revealed: "But over time I've made sense of my dad's illness, my relationship with alcohol, and all of my anger. I was self-sabotaging over and over again because I didn't like who I was and couldn't see a way out."

While Sunday's show saw the sad departure of Vicky and Kai, it also featured an exciting Strictly first: the professionals collaborated with award-winning dance troupe Diversity in a routine that saw hip hop collide with the Golden Age of Hollywood. As for the night's musical number, Olly Murs took to the stage to sing 'Run This Town' accompanied by a routine performed by professionals Amy Dowden, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas and Nancy Xu.