11 September 2023 , 19:16
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Strictly Come Dancing star Zara McDermott has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her late grandmother ahead of her dance floor debut.
Zara, 26, who first shot to fame on Love Island back in 2018, has made history by becoming the first ever islander to bag a spot on the lineup of the prestigious BBC One dance competition. Zara, who is one of 15 contestants in this year's lineup, began training for her Strictly debut today, but there was only one person on her mind as she got stuck into her dance moves - and that was her late nan.
Taking to her Instagram stories earlier today, the reality TV star shared an adorable family photo with her nanny. In the heartfelt tribute, Zara wrote: “Day 1 of Strictly Training. I know my Nanny is up in heaven watching down on me and she is so proud.
Zara McDermott's heartbreaking tribute to loved one watching Strictly success 'from heaven' (Instagram)
Zara has paid tribute to her late grandmother (BBC/Ray Burmiston)"Strictly was her favourite show in the world. I wish she could be here to live this experience with me. I’m going to be picturing her in the audience every week… I know she’ll be there.” Zara then later added a cute picture of her younger self and wrote: “This girl is about to dance.”
It comes after Zara praised her supportive boyfriend Sam Thompson and insisted that she's proud of her Love Island past as she becomes the first Islander to appear on Strictly Come Dancing.
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The reality star turned documentary maker is one of 15 celebrities taking to the BBC dance floor this autumn in a bid to lift the coveted Glitterball trophy. Speaking to The Mirror and other press ahead of the show's launch about being the first-ever Love Island star to compete on Strictly, Zara said: "It was definitely an incredible feeling.
"I know, obviously, I am the first ever Love Island contestant to do it but I don't think there was ever a ban for it, I just think maybe the show wanted someone who had ventured out of that box. But look, I'm really proud of my background and where I've come from because I've grown so much and done so many things. It does feel absolutely incredible but also at the same time, I don't see myself that much as a reality person anymore with the work I do now."
Since appearing on Love Island in 2018, Zara has gone on to present her own BBC documentaries, investigating several hard-hitting topics.