It's human nature to want to be liked

Reality TV queen Vicky Pattison tells OK! all about her nerves on Strictly and life with hubby Ercan

- MITYA UNDERWOOD

There's nothing like a chat with Vicky Pattison to give you a much-needed dopamine boost first thing on a Monday morning.

When OK! catches up with the Strictly Come Dancing star en route to training, she's an infectious mix of excitement, enthusiasm and nerves.

Now 37, Newcastle-born Vicky has been a public figure for 15 years, and has I'm A Celeb winner, Loose Women panellist, podcaster and radio host on her list of achievements in that time. But her appearance on Strictly is pushing her further out her comfort zone than ever - and she's delighted.

"I can't believe my luck most days," she says, before disappearing off camera to look for a dance shoe. "But I live in fear that one day I'll wake up to everyone saying, 'Actually, there's nothing special about her.'

"I love my job and I'm scared all the time that it will just go away. I probably do have imposter syndrome, but I've never sat there and thought about it for long because it makes me uncomfortable. I've never thought, 'I'm the duck's nuts' - that's kind of gross. It would make me complacent and arrogant. I'm happier being nervous."

We're also chatting to Vicky about the release of her second Little Mistress collection for Matalan.

Despite appearing on the nation's most beloved TV show, seeing her collection - which includes a red velvet jumpsuit and a gold sequin mini dress “for all bodies” - in what is still one of her go-to high street stores, is a “pinch-me moment”.