Strictly fans convinced bosses purposely cutaway from Zara McDermott as she made her return to the BBC show after her ‘distressing’ training sessions with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima

Strictly fans convinced bosses purposely cutaway from Zara McDermott as she made her return to the BBC show after her 'distressing' training sessions with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima

As a seasoned viewer of Strictly Come Dancing, I must say I’ve never been more intrigued by the show than I am now. The drama seems to have reached new heights this year, with stories of injuries, abusive behavior, and a cast that’s as resilient as ever.


On Saturday evening, Zara McDermott stealthily reappeared on Strictly Come Dancing, and it appeared that the executives at the BBC were trying to discreetly maintain her presence within the studio.

27-year-old ex-contestant from Love Island went to the event as a spectator alongside boyfriend Sam Thompson. They were there to back their good friend Pete Wicks.

Last year, Zara started dancing on the Strictly ballroom floor, but then she found herself involved in a scandal when videos showing her professional partner, Graziano Di Prima, allegedly mistreating her through physical and verbal abuse, were discovered by BBC employees.

Attentive viewers spotted an interesting moment during the initial live broadcast of the 2024 series last Saturday. When cameras were zooming in on the audience, they abruptly changed their focus as Zara appeared on screen, instead showing the back of former contestant Fleur East’s head deliberately.

Fans commented: ‘Producers seemed anxious about featuring Zara, so they focused more on Fleur’s hairstyle instead; Rather than the camera abruptly moving away when it was getting close to Zara McDermott.’

Strictly fans convinced bosses purposely cutaway from Zara McDermott as she made her return to the BBC show after her 'distressing' training sessions with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima

Strictly fans convinced bosses purposely cutaway from Zara McDermott as she made her return to the BBC show after her 'distressing' training sessions with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima

Producers are worriedly editing out Zara from their production, as they frantically sought guidance from Fleur’s Hairdresser. This is evident by the conspicuous way they are excluding Zara from numerous scenes.

Meanwhile others added: ‘Didn’t Zara McDermott make all these bullying allegations against the Pro’s and slagged off the show but she’s in the Audience’. 

Meanwhile, another admirer praised Zara for maintaining the same level of enthusiasm and reciprocating the support that her friend Pete had shown her the previous year.

In the same spirit of camaraderie and encouragement that Sam and Pete displayed toward Zara last year, it seems to me that their continued approach with her now strongly supports the idea that this friendship or relationship is genuinely unique and unadulterated.

Contrary to what some fans may think, it appears that Zara’s involvement was actually seen as a sign of confidence from within the BBC circles.

As a loyal supporter, I can confirm that I was present at the event. It appears beneficial for both my companion and the BBC. This situation undeniably serves as a significant endorsement for them, leaving their superiors undoubtedly elated. I’m making every effort to leave past complications behind and move forward with optimism.

‘This shows that she still has a lot of love for Strictly — and wants the world to see that.’

Strictly fans convinced bosses purposely cutaway from Zara McDermott as she made her return to the BBC show after her 'distressing' training sessions with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima
Strictly fans convinced bosses purposely cutaway from Zara McDermott as she made her return to the BBC show after her 'distressing' training sessions with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima
Strictly fans convinced bosses purposely cutaway from Zara McDermott as she made her return to the BBC show after her 'distressing' training sessions with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima
Strictly fans convinced bosses purposely cutaway from Zara McDermott as she made her return to the BBC show after her 'distressing' training sessions with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima
Strictly fans convinced bosses purposely cutaway from Zara McDermott as she made her return to the BBC show after her 'distressing' training sessions with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima
Strictly fans convinced bosses purposely cutaway from Zara McDermott as she made her return to the BBC show after her 'distressing' training sessions with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima
Strictly fans convinced bosses purposely cutaway from Zara McDermott as she made her return to the BBC show after her 'distressing' training sessions with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima
Strictly fans convinced bosses purposely cutaway from Zara McDermott as she made her return to the BBC show after her 'distressing' training sessions with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima

Zara has successfully moved past her history and is now enthusiastically supporting her friend Pete, whom she became acquainted with through her boyfriend Sam Thompson.

Zara and Sam appeared more joyful than usual, grinning broadly while snapping Instagram shots in identical t-shirts featuring the likeness of TOWIE celebrity Pete on the chest.

The pair donned matching light-blue denim jeans as well, embellished with several images of Pete and a statement along his legs that urged voters, ‘Vote for Pete Wicks’.

Reality television personality Zara and “I’m A Celebrity” winner Sam were spotted wearing identical black hats adorned with an image of Pete on the front, as they took multiple pictures together outside the BBC studio.

After the show, Zara expressed her joy by posting on Instagram: “What an amazing night!

I was absolutely thrilled by that outstanding show, and it meant the world to me to witness your support firsthand! Truly, he knocked it out of the park!

Pete registered 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.

Even though Pete claimed it hadn’t made a difference, Zara continued to back him when he said to TopMob: “Zara enjoys the program, and she has been a significant source of encouragement. So, she might just be my most dedicated supporter.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, when the idea of learning a few steps from Zara came up, I joked that it’s actually my companion who will be my guide in this journey. Needless to say, I’m thrilled to dive right in!

Previously, Pete revealed that it was Zara who motivated him to take the step and register.

In his interview on ITV’s Lorraine on Monday, he confessed that it was Zara who encouraged him to participate in the show since she is a fan. He also mentioned that he hadn’t previously watched it.

Strictly fans convinced bosses purposely cutaway from Zara McDermott as she made her return to the BBC show after her 'distressing' training sessions with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima
Strictly fans convinced bosses purposely cutaway from Zara McDermott as she made her return to the BBC show after her 'distressing' training sessions with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima
Strictly fans convinced bosses purposely cutaway from Zara McDermott as she made her return to the BBC show after her 'distressing' training sessions with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima

Last year during the initial live performance of Strictly Come Dancing, I watched as Zara danced, and I was astounded, thinking “Wow, this is incredible!” However, even though I found it amazing, I never envisioned myself participating because sequins and all that glamour aren’t typically my vibe.

He stated, “I’m terrified. I’m similar to a high-performance sports car from my lower body and a practical sedan from my upper body. I have the build but not much else.

Some viewers found it unexpected that Pete made an appearance on Strictly, considering his close relationship with Zara and Sam Thompson, in light of Zara’s previous unfavorable encounter.

On Instagram, the documentary maker finally spoke up, expressing joy as she voiced her backing for Pete.

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: “I can’t find the right words, but I’m incredibly proud of you. The work we’re preparing, things you haven’t seen yet, will be amazing.

According to startling reports, it appears that Zara had to perform on the show while dealing with a broken leg, which she sustained during training. She relied on painkillers to endure grueling ten-hour rehearsals.

In a confession, Graziano, aged 30, acknowledged that he had kicked Zara during their interactions, leading to his dismissal from the BBC show.

Reports suggested that there was footage showing his abusive actions, which Zara found extremely difficult to watch.

Strictly fans convinced bosses purposely cutaway from Zara McDermott as she made her return to the BBC show after her 'distressing' training sessions with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima
Strictly fans convinced bosses purposely cutaway from Zara McDermott as she made her return to the BBC show after her 'distressing' training sessions with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima
Strictly fans convinced bosses purposely cutaway from Zara McDermott as she made her return to the BBC show after her 'distressing' training sessions with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima
Strictly fans convinced bosses purposely cutaway from Zara McDermott as she made her return to the BBC show after her 'distressing' training sessions with sacked pro Graziano DiPrima

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I must share an insightful tidbit about my personal experience with a renowned figure in the realm of dance. You may recognize her as Zara, who graced our screens on Strictly Come Dancing. Little did we know that behind her graceful performances, she was battling through ten-hour training sessions by relying on painkillers. This was due to a fracture in one of her leg bones, an ordeal she bravely endured to continue dancing.

According to a source, the TV personality performed a dance routine on the show during Halloween week despite having a broken leg, causing genuine terror in all aspects.

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

When Zara communicated with the private investigators during the investigation into Graziano’s actions, it was then that her superiors became fully aware of the severity of the injury.

In my dedication to keeping up with the latest developments, I must share that our beloved show has been embroiled in yet another controversy. This time, dance sensation Giovanni Pernice is under investigation following allegations by his celebrity partner, Amanda Abbington, concerning abusive behavior on his part.

The scandal unfolded in January when it was revealed that Amanda had asked BBC bosses for rehearsal footage after claiming she suffered PTSD as a result of appearing on Strictly. 

She later claimed Giovanni had bruised her foot during training.

Giovanni strenuously denies the allegations.  

Strictly Come Dancing 2024 will continue on Saturday 28th September on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Read More

2024-09-22 15:34

Previous post Should You Try It: The Penguin on Max