Vicky Pattison: ‘As long as I’m with Ercan this year, everything will be OK’

She might be a huge fan of Christmas, but this festive season is an extra-special time for Vicky Pattison because she’ll celebrate her second anniversary with her boyfriend.

Vicky, 33, has said ex-TOWIE star Ercan Ramadan, 37, “taught me to love again” after she was left heartbroken when her ex-fiancé, John Noble, was seen getting close to another woman in 2018.

“Our anniversary is 29 December – we’ll have been together two years so we’re very excited about that,” Vicky tell Closer. “Last year, Ercan spent Christmas with my family in Newcastle. This year, I’m not exactly sure what will be happening. It’s my turn to spend it with Ercan’s family, though, so we’ll go to his if we can.

“It may just be me and him – with some Zooms with the family, or maybe even visiting people on their driveways! But as long as I’m with Ercan, I’m sure it’ll be OK.”

Crowned I’m A Celeb! jungle queen in 2015, Vicky admits her life has gone in a completely different direction since her party-girl days on reality show Geordie Shore, alongside original co-stars Charlotte Crosby and Holly Hagan. Known for raucous nights out in Newcastle, she quit the show in 2014, but still likes to let loose every now and again.

“I usually get so drunk on Christmas Eve that I ruin Christmas Day for myself,” she laughs. “It’s good if this year I can’t go to the pub to do that! On Christmas Day, we usually have breakfast, then get all dressed up for a Christmas photo, then we’re back in pyjamas for the rest of the day.

“We sit around getting drunker and drunker, in silly paper Christmas hats. We eat too much, we watch the Queen’s speech. It’s lovely and normal. The best thing about it is spending time with your family. As you get older – and life takes you all in different directions – it’s so nice to all get together again.

“I love everything about Christmas. I love the fact that it’s completely socially acceptable to have a drink in your hand at 10am. I love that you see friends and family more, give and receive presents, the snow, mistletoe, fancy dresses, sparkle... And don’t get me started on the amazing food – cheese, stuffing balls, pigs in blankets, candy canes, chocolate. I just can’t wait!”

Check out: Vicky Pattison x QUIZ collection

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But the pair might have to order in takeaway turkey as Vicky took charge of dinner last year and things didn’t go to plan. She says, “Last year, for the first time ever, I got trusted with making the Christmas dinner. And I f--ked it up! I messed up the turkey.

“I didn’t leave it in the oven for long enough. Everything else was banging – dauphinoise potatoes, honey-roasted carrots, pigs in blankets, stuffing balls – but I just didn’t put the turkey in for long enough. My family were very kind about it, but this time I think I’ll leave it to my mam.”

Becoming an advocate for body positivity on Instagram, Vicky has openly admitted it’s taken years to feel confident in her own skin after battling with her weight. In 2013, her fitness DVD, Vicky’s 7 Day Slim saw her drop from a size 16 to a 6. But now a size 10-12, she’s found a healthy balance with her diet and exercise and says she happily enjoys indulging in December.

“Calories don’t count at Christmas,” she laughs. “You just have all year to think about being healthy and strong and fit. But at Christmas you’re meant to eat a cheese board and drink wine and eat a Christmas pudding to yourself. It’s allowed – no one should be watching the calories at Christmas. Everyone should let their hair down!”

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My New Year's Eve

No parties, please

“When I was younger, I used to love a really OTT New Year’s Eve with the girls. We’d all get drunk on a train and go out somewhere – usually in a different city each year – and get hammered. It would be a table in a night club, Champagne all night, the whole nine yards. Now I just can’t imagine anything worse.”

Bed by midnight

“I think New Year’s Eve is overrated. My dream now is a cosy night in and bed by midnight. I’m at the age now where, after 12pm, I want to be in my slippers.”

Wine with Ercan

“This year, I’ll probably make a nice meal, or get a great takeaway and share a bottle of wine with Ercan at home. If we’re in lockdown on New Year’s, it’ll be the only day of the year that it won’t bother me. It’ll be a total excuse to sit in my house and do nothing.”

Check out Vicky’s QUIZ Christmas range.

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