Fans shocked as Zara McDermott returns to Strictly despite ‘distressing incidents’

Zara McDermott returned to Strictly Come Dancing despite heartbreaking claims of ‘distressing incidents’ on the show when she competed.

The former Love Island star, 27, claims she was ‘kicked and hit’ by her pro partner Graziano Di Prima during her time competing on the long-running BBC series last year.

But the reality TV personality returned to Elstree Film and Television Studios to support longtime friend Pete Wicks alongside her partner Sam Thompson.

Zara and the I’m A Celebrity winner went all out to support the Towie star, attending the show dressed head-to-toe in pictures of Pete.

They each wore a pair of jeans decorated with Pete’s smouldering Strictly headshot, as well as T-shirts urging fans to vote for the star.

Sam’s read ‘Pete Wicks best friend’, while Zara’s simply said ‘vote Pete Wicks’.

Zara shared a snap of the couple beaming in the jazzy outfits on her Instagram page, saying they ‘wanted to do something fun’ for their friend.

‘We wanted to do something fun for Pete considering he was there in the audience for me this time last year with my face all over his shirt,’ she wrote.

She went on to praise Pete’s performance with professional dancer Jowita Przystał, adding: ‘Such an incredible evening. What an amazing first performance and I’m so glad I could be there to support you!! Didn’t he smash this?!?!?!’

Fans shared their shock over seeing Zara in the audience, with karen_knight1 writing on X: ‘If Zara had such a bad time on Strictly, how come she was in the audience? I know she was there to support Pete but Sam was there.’

Many fans thought the show avoided showing Zara on screen, with Speaknowluver saying: ‘the BBC i going to so much effort not to show Zara i can’t even imagine how hard it was for her to come back to support Pete.’

Others, however, praised Zara and Sam for supporting their friend, with Sammytwd_ writing: ‘Sam and Zara keeping the same energy and supportiveness that Sam and Pete had for her last year just further confirms my theory that this is the purest three way friendship/relationship ever.’

It comes after Zara released a statement that addressed ‘distressing incidents’ that occurred in her Strictly rehearsals after 30-year-old dancer Graziano announced he’d left the series.

‘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. 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,’ she said in the lengthy statement.

‘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 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 and BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as wel as everyone who has reached out to me – it really truly means a lot. Love, always. Zara.’

In his statement when leaving the show, Graziano said he ‘deeply regrets the events’ that led to his departure.

‘My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime. Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away,’ he said.

‘While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.

‘I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future. I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.’