Zara McDermott left ‘petrified and scared’ after near arrest in Thailand while filming BBC documentary

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Zara McDermott shared a chilling account of nearly being taken into custody in Thailand while working on her BBC documentary titled ‘Thailand: The Hidden Reality.’

Previously famous contestant from Love Island, aged 28, discussed a harrowing incident during a press event for an upcoming program. This series examines both the advantages and disadvantages of a place frequently visited by young British tourists as their holiday destination.

Upon their arrival in Thailand for filming the show, Zara and her team found themselves facing the possibility of arrest by the Bangkok authorities just hours after setting foot there.

Although the BBC team had already received permission to shoot inside the bars, Zara stated: ‘However, the entire segment was ultimately edited out. But during the several hours we spent filming there, the tension between us and the police was escalating.’

‘Although our filming almost led to an arrest, it’s worth noting that we had obtained all necessary permits ahead of time. In essence, we were authorized to film at that location.’

She stated that the bar owners seemed quite insistent on asserting their influence and wanted us to vacate the vicinity entirely. Ultimately, they managed to persuade us to depart, she concluded.

As a dedicated viewer, you’ll witness the harrowing events play out on the program, which includes an unfortunate incident where a crew member was hit by a tossed ashtray.

Zara commented, “That was indeed a very frightening instance, not just about the possibility of our arrest, but also the risk of failing in our mission.

Over recent years, the celebrity from Strictly Come Dancing has presented a variety of documentaries that have sparked deep thinking and received high praise on BBC.

The newly produced series, South Shore Production’s creation, delves into the factors attracting British tourists to Thailand, while also shedding light on the less appealing aspects such as drug availability and the sex trade industry.

As an enthusiastic admirer, I can’t help but share my excitement about this upcoming journey! Starting in the vibrant city of Bangkok, where the energy is electrifying, we’ll embark on an adventure to some renowned party islands. The cast of characters we’ll meet along the way promises to be as lively and entertaining as the destinations themselves! Can’t wait to be part of the action!

The primary objective of Zara’s documentary is to uncover the reasons behind the annual influx of thousands of British youth towards an exotic destination.

The upcoming documentary promises to reveal the hidden mysteries of a vast and diverse nation, appealing not just to nomads but also to those considering settling down for a while.

On Tuesday, Zara opened up to the BBC about her interactions with sex workers in Thailand, stating, “Due to my work in addressing violence against women, I was able to engage in challenging and heartfelt discussions with these individuals.

My goal is to make these women feel entirely understood and validated, as I firmly believe that by exchanging our narratives, we empower ourselves as women.

I deeply feel for the women who, due to the volatile and sometimes dangerous nature of their workplace, face significant pressure to work in this industry.

Before the shooting commenced, Zara shared her enthusiasm for venturing into an unfamiliar nation, saying, “I am thrilled to delve into a country that numerous young individuals similar to myself are flocking to currently.

As a lifestyle aficionado, I must admit that Thailand’s vibrant nightlife, exhilarating parties, and breathtaking beaches undeniably capture the hearts of many. However, it’s fascinating to observe that there are more compelling reasons drawing people to Thailand and keeping them captivated. From the rich cultural heritage, delectable cuisine, warm hospitality, and affordable costs, Thailand offers a unique blend of experiences that make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking adventure and immersion into a diverse culture.

Recently spotted for the first time since rumors suggested she was living with her new beau, Louis Tomlinson, Zara made an appearance at a screening held at the Charlotte Street Hotel in London, prior to the documentary’s release.

she was quite striking upon her arrival for the evening event, donning a chic black knit cardigan adorned with white lining, wrist cuffs, and a flared peplum design.

At the event, she took photos with BBC Radio 1’s Natalie O’Leary, who was in charge of a question-and-answer session featuring Zara during the screening.

After it was rumored that Zara had moved in with the One Direction member Louis, only a few months after they made their relationship public.

I, an over-the-moon admirer, am excitedly sharing that this beloved duo, who had been discreetly courting while nurturing their bond, made a bold public declaration of their love this month. They graced our social media feeds with a stunning photo on Instagram, signifying the official start of their union.

According to reports, the reality TV star from Love Island and the musician, aged 33, appear to be serious about their relationship, having publicly declared their affection for one another in a recent post.

Currently, things have escalated as Zara has relocated to Louis’ prestigious north London residence, returning to live with her parents following her departure from the Fulham dwelling she once shared with Sam Thompson.

According to sources, they shared with The Sun that the two are deeply in love, and she spends most of her time at his place now, effectively relocating there. Notably, Zara began creating her social media content from his residence rather than her parents’.

After her breakup with her ex, she returned to live with her family. However, Louis’s residence and her parents’ house are quite far apart, making it logical for her to spend a considerable amount of time at his place instead.

They are deeply enamored and prefer spending non-work hours together. This summer, Zara traveled extensively with Louis, and since returning to the UK, she has been spending a significant amount of time at his place.

The Daily Mail approached Zara and Louis’ representatives for comment at the time.  

Sam Thompson, 32, and Zara parted ways after five years together in December. 

Shortly following Zara’s departure from her Chelsea residence, it was announced by the BBC that she would be traveling to Thailand for an upcoming documentary series.

Thailand: The Dark Side of Paradise will be available on BBC iPlayer from Monday September 8

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2025-09-05 02:19