The BBC Radio 1 presenter discusses how the stress from the show led her to seek therapy
Vick Hope has shared how the stress and pressure of competing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2018 led her to seek therapy. The 34-year-old BBC Radio 1 presenter, who appeared on the 16th series of the celebrity dance show, reflected on the anxiety and insecurity she experienced during the competition. Despite initially performing well, Hope was eliminated after a dance-off, a moment that marked a turning point for her mental health.
In an interview with Cosmopolitan UK, Hope revealed that she was overwhelmed by the intensity of the show and the external pressure of public opinion. “I was so naive around that time; I was so stressed, nervous and worried,” she admitted. “I was overthinking every single thing – ‘Are people going to think this dance is too sexy? Is this music choice too jarring for the older viewers?’” She recognised that she was complicating something that should have been fun and light-hearted.
Hope, who was living alone and single at the time, explained that she felt isolated and needed someone to talk to. “I was at a time in my life where I was really insecure. I didn’t think I was good enough, I was not kind to myself, and I think it showed,” she said. Therapy became the catalyst for her personal growth, helping her to overcome these challenges.
Since then, Hope has made significant strides in her life. She now speaks positively about her relationship with herself and her growing self-worth. “It went from a dark place where I didn’t like myself and didn’t talk kindly to myself. Now I know my worth,” she shared.
In 2020, Hope joined BBC Radio 1, and last year she co-hosted the Bafta’s red carpet show. Her personal life has also blossomed, with reports confirming her marriage to DJ and record producer Calvin Harris in a grand ceremony at Hulne Priory in September 2023. At the Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year 2023 awards in November, Hope was seen wearing her wedding ring, further confirming her happy new chapter.
For more insights, the full Vick Hope interview will be available in the February/March issue of Cosmopolitan UK, on sale from January 16.
