Zara McDermott jets off on holiday without boyfriend Sam Thompson amid Strictly scandal
ZARA McDermott has jetted off on holiday without boyfriend Sam Thompson amid the Strictly scandal.
Earlier this week the documentary maker, 27, broke her silence on her former Strictly professional dancer Graziano Di Prima’s axing from the BBC show.
Italian dancer Graziano was fired by the Beeb following claims he hit, spat at and kicked Zara during rehearsals.
Zara has escaped the drama and is currently in Bulgaria.
The Love Island star shared a snap and tagged the location as La Playa Marina Dinevi.
Zara confessed: “I love this place.”
Her Made In Chelsea star boyfriend Sam has not joined her on the trip and was seen leaving his home with a set of gold clubs today.
The I’m A Celebrity legend looked the part in a polo shirt, navy trousers and blue Crocs.
Earlier this month Zara and Sam were seen for first time after she was spotted ‘crying in the street’ amid ‘crisis talks’.
The couple – who started dating in 2019 – have been reportedly going through a difficult patch in their relationship in recent weeks.
That’s not the only thing that has been tough for them both.
Days later the BBC spoke out after Graziano was sacked over ‘behaviour towards Zara’.
Zara and Graziano were paired on the show last year.
The dancer later said on Instagram: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. 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 continued: “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.
Graziano Di Prima - Strictly statement in FULL
GRAZIANO Di Prima has addressed his Strictly Come Dancing sacking with a statement on social media - see the details below.
In a statement shared to his Instagram page Graziano wrote: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. 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 continued: “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.”
He concluded the post: “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.”
“I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future.”
He concluded the post: “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.”
It was later revealed Graziano was sacked for gross misconduct amid claims he hit, spat and kicked dance partner Zara.
Writing on Instagram, Zara said: “I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports.
“Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV and one that I dreamt of being on since I was a little girl.
“When I was invited to be a contestant on the show it really was a childhood dream come true.”
Zara said she “fully understood” how much commitment and hard work would be needed on the show and insisted she is “resilient” and was ready to “put in whatever it took”.
She praised her fellow contestants and the production team, saying they were “amazing to work with” – but added her “experience inside the training room was very different”.
The star continued: “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.
“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.”
Zara added: “The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak up, especially in 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 & BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me – it really truly means a lot. Love, always. Zara.”
Amanda Abbington also made allegations against her partner Giovanni Pernice, who she danced with last year.
The actress allegedly told pals that the competition left her with post-traumatic stress disorder and she was seeking legal advice.
Gio was axed from the upcoming series of Strictly in May – and he has denied all allegations.