BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans shocked as Zara McDermott returns after 'distressing' rehearsals

Zara McDermott with boyfriend Sam Thompson in the audience of Strictly Come Dancing
-Credit: (Image: BBC)


Strictly Come Dancing fans were stunned as Zara McDermott returned to the show tonight following a troubling time on the series last year. The 27 year old Love Island star brushed aside her previous experience on the BBC series as she was spotted in the audience at the first show on Saturday night.

She was in the audience with boyfriend Sam Thompson to support his best friend Pete Wicks. But viewers were shocked to see her there after she released a statement about her professional dance partner.

Zara spoke out after her professional partner Graziano Di Prima was dismissed from the BBC show following allegations he had kicked her during their rehearsals. Viewers were taken aback to see Zara in the audience following the scandal that threatened to derail the long-standing show.

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Zara announced her return on Instagram, posting: "So excited! ! ! ! Team Pete! ! ! ! ". Sam Thompson, the former Made In Chelsea star, often jests about being in a "throuple" with Pete, given he's best friends with his girlfriend, Zara.

Earlier, Zara had broken her silence with an extensive comment on the alleged "physical incidents." She wrote: 'Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV and one that I dreamt of being on since I was a little girl.'

'When I was invited to be a contestant on the show it really was a childhood dream come true. I fully understood the level of commitment an dhard work that Strictly was going to be and I dedicated everything to it. I am a resilient person and I was fully prepared to put in whatever it took.

'And so much of my Strictly experience was everything I could have dreamt of. The entire production team and everyone behind the scenes as well as my fellow contestants were so amazing to worth with. However, my experience inside the training room was very different.

'Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredible distressing to watch. I have wrestled with the fear of opening up - I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming.

'But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I've gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show. The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak up especially in a aworld where social media opinions and voices are so loud.

'This is something I've seen through working with countless women on my documentaries. I would like to thank the BBC and BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as wel as everyone who has reached out to me - it really truly means a lot. Love, always. Zara.'

Graziano was let go by the BBC following allegations that he hit, spat at and kicked his former celebrity partner. However, he has responded to the "shocking" end of their friendship.

He expressed how "these vile, false allegations ruined my life in a matter of minutes - professionally, financially, psychologically and reputationally."