Inside Zara McDermott’s plan to be ‘sexiest Strictly star ever’ including racy demand for wardrobe
ZARA McDermott has told bosses she’s ready to bring the sex factor to this year’s Strictly.
The gorgeous Love Island star briefed the wardrobe team she was up for the skimpiest, most daring costumes ever seen on the show.
A source said: “Zara is absolutely stunning and puts in the work at the gym so she’s rightly proud of her body.
“Plus she’s young, fun and into fashion so she’s told the team she’s up for anything they throw at her – the shorter and skimpier the better, really.
“Zara knows she is the glam girl in this year’s cast and is up for the challenge of being the show’s sexiest star yet.”
Zara made her name wearing a bikini on the ITV2 dating show but now makes documentaries for BBC Three.
She has become a voice for self-esteem and natural beauty.
The source added: “Zara is out to prove what you wear has nothing to do with your work or your intelligence, so owning the Strictly wardrobe is just part of that.”
Strictly broke their own rules by signing up the former reality TV star, but so far she has downplayed her own dance ability.
Announcing the news this week on BBC Radio 1, Zara said: “I grew up watching it every year with my nan and she was the biggest Strictly fan. We would dance around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life.
“I even remember the first ever series, and being mesmerised by all the beautiful dresses.
“I can’t wait to throw myself into this experience and start training.
“I have zero dance experience. I don’t even dance in a nightclub – I’m that petrified of dancing.”
Until now, no other Love Islander has been asked to compete on Strictly after bosses relaxed its reality star ban.
Before going on TV to find love back in 2018, Zara was a government policy advisor, working for the Department of Energy and Climate Change and Department of Education.
After Love Island she competed on The X Factor: Celebrity. alongside Eyal Booker, Samira Mighty and Wes Nelson in group No Love Lost.
She moved into presenting with entertainment show Love In The Flesh on BBC Three.
Strictly bosses previously had a blanket ban on fame-hungry reality stars ever appearing on the show.
More recently, they opened up casting to famous YouTubers like Joe Sugg.
Zara has spent the past three years making documentaries that inspire conversation and educate young people, saying reporting on hard-hitting issues is her real passion.
Her most well-known films include Revenge Porn, Uncovering Rape Culture, Disordered Eating, and Gaia: A Death on Dancing Ledge.
She lives with her Love Island podcast host boyfriend Sam Thompson in a £2million townhouse next to his sister Louise.
They’ve been in a relationship since 2019.