Zara McDermott seen for first time since Strictly scandal – as she breaks silence on Graziano Di Prima

Zara has spoken out about her time on Strictly (Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)Get daily celeb exclusives and behind the scenes house tours direct to your inboxMore Newsletters SubscribePlease enter a valid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.More NewslettersWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More infoThank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow me See OurPrivacy Notice See OurPrivacy Notice×Group 28 Get daily celeb exclusives and behind the scenes house tours direct to your inboxInvalid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.Sign UpNo thanks, closeWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info×Group 28Thank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow MeNo thanks, closeSee our
Privacy Notice Ex-Love Island star Zara McDermott has been seen out and about in London with boyfriend Sam Thompson for the first time since allegations about her time training with Strictly Come Dancing’s Graziano Di Prima in 2023 came to light. Zara, 27, and boyfriend Sam, 31, were pictured as they strolled through south-west London on Monday, when Sam was seen putting a protective arm around her. Zara had her arms folded across her chest as she donned a pair of black flared trousers, a white vest and an oversized white shirt. She wore her long hair pulled up into a ponytail and appeared to be makeup free as she walked with her beau, who was equally casual in a jumper and grey joggers. Following the news that Graziano had been dismissed from Strictly for alleged “gross misconduct,” Zara released a lengthy statement on Tuesday 16 July to her fans. While she said that her time on the show was something she had always dreamed of, she also commented on her experience in the training room with Graziano. Her statement said, in part: “I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports. 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.” Sign up to OK!’s daily newsletter to get updates sent to your inbox for free

Zara and Sam were seen out in London for the first time since the Strictly allegations came to light
(Image: / SplashNews.com)

Zara has released a statement about her time on Strictly
(Image: / SplashNews.com)

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“I fully understood the level of commitment and hard 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 work 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 incredibly distressing to watch.” She continued: “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 world where social media opinions and voices are so loud. This is something I’ve seen through working with countless women on my documentaries.”

Zara’s former professional partner Graziano Di Prima has been axed from the show
(Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)

Graziano has posted his own statement about what happened where he said that he “wasn’t allowed” to comment but would “share my story” when the time was right. The dancer posted: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime. “While respecting the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it’s only right for the sake of the show that I step away. “I am saddened that I wasn’t allowed to offer a quote to the online news stories, and I take on board the sensitivity of the situation. There’s more to this story that I am unable to discuss at this time, but I am committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family nothing but success in the future.” He concluded: “I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right I will share my story.” The BBC has since announced that in future series there will be chaperones in all training and rehearsal sessions. There will be a production team member present at all times and Strictly bosses will also appoint a celebrity welfare producer and a professional dancer producer, and deliver training for the production team and crew to safeguard against any future incidents.Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnStrictly Come DancingSam ThompsonZara McdermottGraziano Di Prima

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