Zara McDermott Opens Up
Reality TV personality and host Zara McDermott has revealed her inner struggles with addressing her time on Strictly Come Dancing, following the departure of her former dance partner Graziano Di Prima from the program. McDermott, aged 27, participated in the show last season, where she danced alongside Di Prima.
In a statement posted on her social media accounts, McDermott expressed her childhood dream of being part of Strictly and the overall positive experiences she encountered. However, she admitted that the training sessions had a contrasting atmosphere.
Overcoming Fear and Speaking Out
McDermott mentioned feeling distressed after witnessing certain incidents during her training sessions. She confessed her initial fear of potential backlash for speaking out but ultimately found the courage to share her truths with her two million Instagram followers.
Transitioning from her reality TV fame to documentary presenting, McDermott emphasized the magical experience of participating in Strictly Come Dancing as a dream come true. Despite the challenges faced during training, McDermott commended the production team and fellow contestants for their support.
“Many aspects of my journey aligned with my expectations, with the exception of the training environment,” McDermott stated. She acknowledged the difficulty women face in speaking up due to societal pressures and the impact of social media on public perception.
Acknowledgments and Moving Forward
McDermott expressed gratitude towards the BBC for their prompt response and immense support during this challenging time. She also appreciated the kind messages she received from well-wishers.
According to a BBC spokesperson, Di Prima will not be part of the upcoming series of professional dancers on Strictly. Giovanni Pernice, another dancing professional, has also departed amid allegations concerning his teaching methods. Pernice has denied these claims and is cooperating with the BBC’s investigation.
Strictly Come Dancing will return for its 20th anniversary season this autumn, promising an exciting lineup and spectacular performances.