Zara McDermott makes surprise return to Strictly for the first live show to support pal Pete Wicks – after breaking her silence on ‘distressing incidents’ with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima

Zara McDermott makes surprise return to Strictly for the first live show to support pal Pete Wicks - after breaking her silence on 'distressing incidents' with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima

As a former contestant of Strictly Come Dancing, I can truly empathize with the excitement and anticipation that Pete feels as he embarks on his journey this season. The camaraderie, the challenge, and the sheer adrenaline rush are experiences that I hold dear to my heart.


On the weekend, Zara McDermott made a comeback to Strictly Come Dancing during its initial live performance, following her public statements about the challenging and upsetting experience she had on the program last year.

Previously on Love Island, a 27-year-old star danced on Strictly Come Dancing last season. However, trouble arose when videos showing her professional partner, Graziano Di Prima, allegedly mistreating her were discovered by the BBC team.

However, Zara appears to have moved past her history by encouraging her friend Pete Wicks, whom she got acquainted with through her partner Sam Thompson.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I couldn’t help but notice the radiant smiles beaming from Zara and Sam as they struck poses in their unique T-shirts, proudly displaying the likeness of none other than TOWIE star Pete on the front.

Apart from their matching light-blue denims, they had ‘Vote Pete Wicks’ emblazoned on their legs in big black letters, accompanied by several images of Pete.

Zara McDermott makes surprise return to Strictly for the first live show to support pal Pete Wicks - after breaking her silence on 'distressing incidents' with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima

Zara McDermott makes surprise return to Strictly for the first live show to support pal Pete Wicks - after breaking her silence on 'distressing incidents' with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima

Reality television personality Zara, along with I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! champion Sam, sported identical black hats adorned with an image of Pete on the brim, while striking several pictures together outside the BBC broadcasting facility.

Pete is set to take to the dancefloor alongside professional partner Jowita Przystał. 

Pete enrolled for the program only a few days following the revelation that his friend Zara had experienced physical and verbal abuse at the hands of Graziano during the previous season.

Despite Pete’s assertion that it hadn’t changed, Zara continued to back him when he informed TopMob, saying, “Zara is fond of the show, and she’s provided significant support. So, she might well become my most devoted fan.

When someone proposed that Zara might instruct him on certain steps, he jokingly replied: “Actually, my partner will be the one teaching me all the moves, so I’m simply eager to start learning.

Earlier, Pete shared that it was Zara who inspired him to enroll, being the primary motivator for his decision.

On ITV’s Lorraine on Monday, he confessed that it was Zara who encouraged him to participate, as she is a fan of the show. He openly acknowledged that he hadn’t previously watched the program.

Last year during the initial live episode of Strictly Come Dancing, I found myself captivated by the spectacle, particularly Zara’s performance. The sheer brilliance of it left me in awe – but honestly, I never envisioned myself participating in such an event filled with sequins and elaborate flair. While it’s undeniably impressive, that style isn’t quite my cup of tea.

Zara McDermott makes surprise return to Strictly for the first live show to support pal Pete Wicks - after breaking her silence on 'distressing incidents' with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima
Zara McDermott makes surprise return to Strictly for the first live show to support pal Pete Wicks - after breaking her silence on 'distressing incidents' with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima
Zara McDermott makes surprise return to Strictly for the first live show to support pal Pete Wicks - after breaking her silence on 'distressing incidents' with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima

He added: ‘I am petrified. I’m like a Ferrari from the waist down and Volvo from the top half. I’ve got the hips but nothing else.’

Some viewers found it unexpected that Pete made an appearance on Strictly, considering his close relationship with Zara and her partner Sam Thompson, due to the challenging encounter she had previously.

Instead, on Instagram, the documentary creator voiced her approval for Pete, stating that his actions made her extremely joyful.

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 added: “Silence, but swelling with pride for what’s coming next, which you haven’t seen or known about yet.

Rehearsals for the show required Zara to endure ten hours despite her having to take painkillers due to a fractured leg she sustained during training, which led to a shocking performance.

In a recent turn of events, I find myself sharing a piece of news following the confession by dance professional Graziano, aged 30, who admitted to striking fellow dancer Zara during our practice times, leading to his dismissal from the BBC series.

It had been asserted that there were videos showing his abusive actions, with Zara describing the footage as “extremely difficult to bear.

Zara McDermott makes surprise return to Strictly for the first live show to support pal Pete Wicks - after breaking her silence on 'distressing incidents' with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima
Zara McDermott makes surprise return to Strictly for the first live show to support pal Pete Wicks - after breaking her silence on 'distressing incidents' with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima
Zara McDermott makes surprise return to Strictly for the first live show to support pal Pete Wicks - after breaking her silence on 'distressing incidents' with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima

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.’

The statement was amended to say: ‘It’s mentioned that she believes Pete will have an outstanding experience, possibly winning over the judges, given his diligence and good character. He excels in demanding situations and is most productive when faced with challenges and pressure.

Zara prefers not to let the events happening to her influence her Strictly experience, and she supports Pete wholeheartedly, despite the fact that this situation might feel personal.

Last year, Pete sat alongside Sam in the Strictly studio crowd, and they both donned strikingly patterned shirts bearing the image of Zara as a symbol of their backing.

In a series of photos, they were captured standing with Zara and Graziano, who later returned to Sicily following his dismissal from Strictly.

2019 marked the start of a friendship between reality TV personalities Sam and Pete, who met after both appeared on the E4 show “Celebs Go Dating”. Since then, they’ve been co-hosting their joint podcast called “Staying Relevant” together.

Besides their podcast, the duo also engage in playful practical jokes that often go viral on social media platforms. This is a reflection of their working dynamic, where Sam’s exuberance and eagerness to oblige contrast sharply with Pete’s melancholic demeanor.

Zara frequently appears in these videos where the group has showcased entertaining choreography that has captivated their large fan base with their performances.

Zara McDermott makes surprise return to Strictly for the first live show to support pal Pete Wicks - after breaking her silence on 'distressing incidents' with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima

In simpler terms, it was disclosed that Zara required pain relief medications to endure ten-hour training days following her broken leg bone during Strictly Come Dancing.

According to a source, the TV personality performed a dance routine on the show during Halloween week despite having a broken leg. The sight was truly terrifying in every conceivable way.

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

It wasn’t until two weeks ago that the bosses became fully aware of the severity of Zara’s injury, as she shared details with private investigators during their investigation into Graziano’s conduct.

The show has faced more than just this controversy. There are allegations against Giovanni Pernice regarding abusive behavior from his partner, Amanda Abbington.

In January, the controversy arose when it came to light that Amanda requested rehearsal videos from BBC executives, following her statement that she developed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to her participation in Strictly.

She later claimed Giovanni had bruised her foot during training.

Giovanni strenuously denies the allegations.  

On Saturday, 14th September, the premiere episode of Strictly Come Dancing 2024 will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer starting at 7:20 PM.

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2024-09-21 22:04

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