BBC Strictly star stranded in Dubai issues apology after worrying fans with silence

Strictly Come Dancing star Vicky Pattison has given an update on Instagram after being one of the many Brits who have been left stranded in Dubai after the Iran strikes as flights to return to the UK have been cancelled. Vicky had posted to her social media mere days ago that she and her husband Ercan had been heading on their first ever first class flight with the intention of going to Dubai, Australia, and New Zealand, but she, like many others, has since been left stranded.

The TV personality hadn't issued an update since flights out of Dubai were cancelled, and on Monday morning (March 2) after an influx of concerned messages, she posted to her Instagram story an apology for the silence but explained what sparked that decision.

Vicky told her fans she wanted to share an update after getting concerned messages and apologised that they hadn't been "more proactive" across social media. She said: "We've been limiting our time spent on here due to a growing amount of misinformation that feels really counterproductive to staying calm." Vicky stated that she and Eran are trying to stay "hopeful and measured" and their decision to not be online was how they felt they could do that.

She also stated that, while she's not an expert, she felt the "narrative that Dubai is being 'bombed' feels like a hyperbolic one", and stated that what has been shared via government channels is that they are "intercepting missiles competently and efficiently". Vicky explained that the thing that was causing damage and harm was falling debris.

The star explained that they are both adhering to advice from the hotel and "proper official resources" and hope to return home soon. She added: "We were swiftly and safely evacuated to our hotel's underground parking structure two nights ago, but that felt more precautionary than anything else." She continued to explain that they are "incredibly grateful" to their hotel and the UAE government for making them feel both safe and informed.

She explained that they didn't want to add to the "rising panic" and continued: "We're being incredibly mindful of our privilege in this situation. There are many people in [the] world right now in far more dangerous and heartbreaking circumstances."

Ending her post, Vicky stated her thoughts and prayers were with anyone who was feeling "unsettled and unsafe".