Video LoadingVideo UnavailableClick to playTap to playThe video will auto-play soon8CancelPlay nowGet 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 NoticeThe former Love Island beauty took to Instagram Stories on Tuesday morning, confessing that her time in the training room with Graziano wasn’t exactly a dream come true. During Tuesday’s episode of Lorraine, the TV host didn’t waste any time addressing Zara’s statement. After reading out Zara’s words, Lorraine shared her own thoughts, saying: “So that is what Zara is saying and I do think…sort of looking ahead, it’s all about getting the right person with the right person.” “Making sure someone who is vulnerable is looked after,” she added. In a lengthy post, Zara told her followers: “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.”
Zara McDermott and former Strictly Come Dancing partner Graziano Di Prima
(Image: BBC)
Read More
Related Articles
Kate Garraway suggests Strictly Come Dancing has had ‘last dance’ amid ‘trouble’
Read More
Related Articles
Shock as Richard Madeley snaps ‘you idiot’ at Good Morning Britain guest
“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 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.
Zara shared an emotional statement
(Image: Zara McDermott/Instagram)
“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.” (sic) The former Love Islander added: “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. “I would like to thank the BBC & BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me – it really truly means a lot. Love, always. Zara.”
Lorraine Kelly reacts as Zara McDermott issues emotional statement over Strictly
(Image: ITV)
It comes as Lorraine recently described Graziano’s axing from Strictly as “disturbing”. While chatting to entertainment presenter Lucy about the controversy, Lorraine said: “Now there is more trouble for Strictly this morning following the news Graziano Di Prima has been axed from the show following what has been said as gross misconduct claims.” “Lucy is here and this is very disturbing actually,” the ITV host stated before Lucy replied: “He’s been axed by the BBC over claims of gross misconduct. They apparently axed him in 48 hours after they saw a really damning video… we haven’t seen the video but it involves his partner Zara McDermott.” Lorraine airs weekdays at 9am on ITV.Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnLorraine KellyStrictly Come Dancing
