For Vicky Pattison, life has been a whirlwind lately — from dazzling audiences on Strictly Come Dancing to juggling her growing list of projects.
But behind the glitz and glam, the 37-year-old reality star has been quietly grappling with one of life’s biggest questions: is motherhood really part of her story?
The “Suffocating” Pressure to Have a Baby
In a heartfelt interview with Women’s Health UK, the former Geordie Shore star revealed that getting married to her long-term partner, Ercan Ramadan, has sparked a new kind of pressure — one she describes as “suffocating.”
Vicky, who tied the knot with Ercan last summer, said she feels as though society expects her to take the next step immediately.
“There’s this huge question mark over motherhood for me,” she admitted. “The pressure now that I’m married is just… a lot.”
Career Success and Fear of Taking a Break
Vicky has built an impressive career — from reality TV fame to presenting and podcasting — and she isn’t shy about admitting how hard she’s worked to get here.
That’s part of why the idea of stepping away for motherhood feels daunting.
“I’ve worked so hard for so long to get to where I am, and the thought of taking a break honestly scares me,” she shared.
“I’m a huge advocate for egg freezing, but I also recognise I’m saying that from a position of financial privilege.”
“We Can’t Have It All” – Vicky Challenges the Modern Narrative
The Strictly contestant also spoke about the unrealistic expectations often placed on women today.
“We’re fed this idea that we can have it all — career, love, family — but it’s not necessarily true,” she said.
“There’s always compromise. I met Ercan when I was 31, and I wanted to give our relationship room to breathe. It’s the best decision I ever made.”
She added that she and Ercan are on the same page about taking their time before deciding whether to have children.
“We’re singing from the same song sheet,” she explained.
A Supportive Family and Shifting Perspectives
Speaking on Women’s Health’s Just As Well podcast with Gemma Atkinson and Claire Sanderson, Vicky shared a touching piece of advice from her mum: “She told me, ‘If not having children is your path, that’s fine.’ That really stuck with me.”
Vicky said she believes society is finally starting to understand that women don’t need to become mothers to feel fulfilled.
“For me, there’s still a huge question mark over motherhood.
I’ve worked to get to a place where I’m proud of who I’m becoming — and the idea of stepping away from that… it scares me.”
Life on Strictly – And a Surprising Confession About Her Husband
Away from the serious stuff, Vicky also had fans laughing recently after joking that her husband, Ercan, is counting down the days until she’s eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing.
The reason? A lack of intimacy. “We’ve been together for nearly ten years and have a really healthy relationship,” she told the Mail on Sunday.
“But I’m training so hard every day — plus working, podcasting, and running my clothing line — that I’m just too exhausted.
After a full day doing the Charleston, you don’t exactly fancy the ‘mattress mambo!’”
She laughed, adding, “He’s having to be patient at the minute.
I think he’s probably the only person in my circle secretly hoping I get booted off.”
Setbacks, Recovery, and a Tough Week on the Dance Floor
Despite the fun on screen, it hasn’t been an easy ride for Vicky and her professional partner, Kai Widdrington.
The pair both fell ill last week and had to pull out of an appearance on Strictly’s spin-off show It Takes Two.
Vicky shared snaps of her recovery kit — lozenges, cough syrup, ginger shots, oranges, and juice — as she tried to fight off the bug.
Once she was back on her feet, she chipped a tooth during rehearsals and even got scratched by her playful dog.
Still, she powered through and performed a high-energy Charleston to A Little Party Never Killed Nobody from The Great Gatsby, proving that her determination is stronger than ever.
A Woman Defining Life on Her Own Terms
Between career success, married life, and her time on Strictly, Vicky Pattison is proving that women don’t have to follow anyone else’s timeline.
Whether or not motherhood is part of her future, she’s living life on her own terms — and that’s something worth celebrating.