Zara McDermott 'convinced she knows why' Strictly fans didn't vote for her
Zara McDermott has blamed bitter BBC viewers for her exit on Strictly Come Dancing as she thinks they couldn’t see beyond the fact she is a reality star – reports claim.
The 26-year-old model dropped out of the 2023 Strictly contest on Sunday night after she and dance partner Graziano Di Prima lost the dance off against soap star Adam Thomas and his partner Luba Mushtuk. Prior to being a Strictly hopeful, Zara was a Love Island contestant back in 2018.
By allowing a Love Island star to take part in the dance show, the BBC broke a long standing tradition of banning reality stars from taking part. Show bosses are said to have argued that Zara had elevated herself to a ‘presenter’ level when she was announced as a 2023 contestant as she had created some documentaries for the BBC in the years since she found fame on the ITV2 reality romance show.
Now reports have suggested Zara is pointing the finger of blame at bigoted views about Love Island stars as the reason she failed to secure enough votes to make it beyond week six of the contest.
Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima were booted off Strictly at the weekend (BBC)A source told The Sun: “Ultimately, she's still remembered as a reality star and she feels that viewers just couldn't get passed her being an ex Love Island contestant.” [sic] Following her exit, Zara wrote a lengthy statement which she shared on Instagram, explaining her devastation at being voted off the show. She wrote: “I knew this day would come and I tried to prepare myself as best I could for it, but the reality is I don’t think it’s quite sunk in yet.
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“I first dreamt of dancing on Strictly when I was 7 years old, dancing round the living room wearing my little dress and wishing I could be one of the ‘princesses’ that I saw on screen. Little did I know that it would one day become a reality, and I’d have got myself half way through the competition.”
She went on to explain that she didn’t consider herself a dancer or a performer and that she struggled with her self esteem – and thanked both Strictly and Graziano for boosting her confidence. She wrote: “From the day I met you Graz, you told me every day that I am strong, beautiful and confident. I believe that everything happens for a reason, and I know that we were meant to be friends for life. You have taught me so much about myself and our laughter every single day has brought me so much joy.”
Zara was a Love Island contestant in 2018 (ITV)
Zara now dates Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson (Getty Images)She praised the Italian star for his “work ethic” and dedication and went on to congratulate the remaining contestants who are battling for the Glitterball Trophy. She also went on to thank the crew working behind-the-scenes of the long-running BBC show.
She wrote: “You wouldn’t believe how hard these people work, the production team, hair, makeup, wardrobe; it was an honour and a privilege to be a part of something so iconic and magical. I am forever grateful to every single one of you who made my Strictly experience one that I will think about with a HUGE smile on my face every day for the rest of my life.“
Meanwhile, Zara’s 31-year-old boyfriend Sam Thompson, of Made In Chelsea fame, has thrown his support behind Zara and Giovanni following their Strictly exit. Responding to Zara’s post, he wrote: “So damn proud of you goose love you.”
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