Zara McDermott shares support for pal Pete Wicks as his Strictly partner is revealed as Jowita Przystal – after she was abused on the show

Zara McDermott shares support for pal Pete Wicks as his Strictly partner is revealed as Jowita Przystal - after she was abused on the show

As someone who has had my fair share of Strictly-related drama, I can empathize with both Zara and Pete as they embark on their own journeys in the dance competition. It’s heartbreaking to see talented dancers like Zara go through such physical pain just to perform, but her resilience and determination are truly inspiring.


Zara McDermott expressed her backing for Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał, as they were announced as partners for the 2021 edition of Strictly Come Dancing.

Previously on Love Island, a star danced on Strictly Come Dancing’s floor last year; however, controversy arose when clips showing alleged mistreatment of her professional partner, Graziano Di Prima, were discovered by the BBC team, sparking a scandal.

However, despite her previous experiences with the show, Zara maintains that she continues to love it and sets aside her past for the sake of cheering on her friend Pete – a connection they made through her boyfriend, Sam Thompson.

On Saturday, during the premiere broadcast, Zara posted on Instagram a picture showing Pete and Jowita appearing on the television screen.

Sharing her support for the duo, Zara wrote: ‘@p_wicks01 & @jowitaprzystał what a pairing ! ! !’

Zara McDermott shares support for pal Pete Wicks as his Strictly partner is revealed as Jowita Przystal - after she was abused on the show

Zara McDermott shares support for pal Pete Wicks as his Strictly partner is revealed as Jowita Przystal - after she was abused on the show

At the beginning of this month, Pete asserted that Zara is a big fan of Strictly Come Dancing and intends to be his most ardent supporter during his competition.

36-year-old cast member of TOWIE enrolled in the program only a few days following revelations that his acquaintance, Zara (age 27), had endured both physical and verbal abuse at the hands of her dance partner, Graziano Di Prima, during the previous season’s run.

Even though Pete asserted that Zara had ceased offering her support, she likely remains his most ardent supporter, given her fondness for the show.

When someone mentioned that Zara might show him some steps, he joked: “Actually, it’s my partner who will be teaching me everything, so I’m simply eager to start.

Previously, I couldn’t help but gush over the fact that it was Zara who inspired me to take the leap and officially join the ranks.

On Monday’s episode of ITV’s Lorraine, he confessed that his wife, Zara, encouraged him to participate in the show as she is a fan. He also mentioned that he hadn’t previously watched the program.

The initial occasion I watched Strictly occurred during last year’s premiere performance, featuring Zara. At that moment, I was utterly astounded, thinking, “Wow, this is incredible!” However, I had never envisioned myself participating in it, as sequins and such aren’t typically my choice of attire.

He commented, “I’m absolutely terrified. Below the waist, I’m as sleek and powerful as a Ferrari, but from the chest up, more like a reliable Volvo. I’ve got the lower body, but not much else to show.

Zara McDermott shares support for pal Pete Wicks as his Strictly partner is revealed as Jowita Przystal - after she was abused on the show
Zara McDermott shares support for pal Pete Wicks as his Strictly partner is revealed as Jowita Przystal - after she was abused on the show
Zara McDermott shares support for pal Pete Wicks as his Strictly partner is revealed as Jowita Przystal - after she was abused on the show

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I must admit that Pete’s polished appearance during Strictly Come Dancing took many viewers by surprise, especially considering his close connection with Zara and her partner Sam Thompson. However, this surprise stems from the public knowledge of Zara’s past experiences, which have not been as glamorous or refined as Pete’s on-screen persona suggests.

However, breaking her silence on Instagram last month, the documentary maker threw her support behind Pete saying it ‘made her so happy.’ 

Re-posting the official announcement, Zara wrote: ‘I’ve never been so excited. Love you.’

In a comment, she added: ‘This makes me so happy. You’re going to have the best time. I am so proud of you. I cannot wait to see you in some sparkles and maybe even some hot pants.’

Sam additionally mentioned: ‘Speechless. So incredibly proud of you… the material we’re preparing that you aren’t aware of yet.’

Zara McDermott shares support for pal Pete Wicks as his Strictly partner is revealed as Jowita Przystal - after she was abused on the show

After startling news broke, it was revealed that during the performance, Zara had a ‘fractured’ leg due to an injury sustained during training. To endure ten-hour rehearsals, she required pain medication.

The latest revelation comes after professional dancer Graziano, 30, admitted to kicking Zara during their sessions, causing him to be sacked from the BBC series.

It has been alleged that there is footage showing his abusive actions, which Zara found extremely difficult to watch.

A source told TopMob: ‘Zara is so happy for Pete landing the Strictly gig.

‘Her experience on the show was so individual – she hopes no one will go through the same again.’

They added: ‘She knows that Pete will have an amazing time and could even impress the judges, he’s incredibly hardworking and a good person, and will thrive in the environment, which can be intense, but he performs best when he’s challenged and under pressure.

Zara prefers that nothing from her experiences affects his ‘Strictly’ adventure, so she supports Pete, despite the fact that this situation feels personal.

Last year, I had the pleasure of standing alongside Sam in the Strictly studio, sporting stylish, Zara-embellished shirts as a demonstration of our shared admiration.

In the same frame with Zara and Graziano, who later returned to his hometown Sicily following his dismissal from Strictly.

2019 marked the year when TV personalities Sam and Pete struck up a friendship after appearing on the E4 series “Celebs Go Dating”. Since then, they’ve teamed up to co-host the podcast called “Staying Current” together.

Beyond our captivating podcast banter, my uncontainable fervor finds us engaging in hilarious online pranks that have swept the internet waves. It’s a delightful dance between Sam’s boundless enthusiasm and eagerness to oblige, contrasted by Pete’s unpredictable mood swings.

Zara frequently appears in the videos, where the group showcases lively dance moves that have entertained their massive fan base.

Zara McDermott shares support for pal Pete Wicks as his Strictly partner is revealed as Jowita Przystal - after she was abused on the show

During her ten-hour training sessions for Strictly, Zara found it necessary to use painkillers due to a broken leg bone, as the Sun reported.

According to a source, the TV personality performed a dance routine on the show during Halloween week while sporting a broken leg, causing genuine shock and terror in every possible meaning.

An X-ray revealed severe ligament damage plus a stress fracture on her left tibia.

It wasn’t until two weeks ago, during the investigation into Graziano’s conduct, that the superiors fully understood the severity of the injury, as this information was shared by Zara with private detectives.

The show has faced more than one scandal recently. Specifically, there are allegations against Giovanni Pernice regarding abusive behavior towards his celebrity partner, Amanda Abbington. He is currently under investigation for these claims.

In January, the revelation surfaced that Amanda requested practice video recordings from BBC executives, alleging she experienced Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following her appearance on Strictly, which ultimately led to the unraveling of the scandal.

She later claimed Giovanni had bruised her foot during training.

Giovanni strenuously denies the allegations.  

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that the grand debut of Strictly Come Dancing 2024 will grace our screens this coming Saturday, 14th September! You can catch it live at 7:20 PM on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Get ready to tap your feet and sway to the rhythm!

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2024-09-14 22:51

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