Zara McDermott, a former Love Island competitor, will take to the dance floor on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The reality TV personality, 26, is said to have had professional dancers competing to be matched with her for the opportunity to win the Glitterball trophy.
She’ll be trying to impress judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Shirley Ballas as the first Love Island participant to perform on the dancing programme.
It’s a far cry from her time in the infamous Villa, where she was subjected to online vitriol from fans of the iconic ITV programme despite her brief appearance.
But when did Zara McDermott come on Love Island, and with whom did she have a relationship? Here’s all you need to know about her before she takes to the dance floor on Strictly.
When was Zara McDermott on Love Island?
Zara initially appeared on our television screens in 2018 as a competitor on the fourth season of Love Island.
She arrived at the villa as a surprise on Day 15 of the series, focusing her sights on Adam Collard, whom she married just five days later.
Taking the heartthrob away from his partner Rosie Williams caused tears and a dramatic showdown in the Villa, painting her as the series’ villain.
She was not only ridiculed by fans during her time on the programme, but personal images of the celebrity were leaked over WhatsApp.
She barely lasted 10 days on the programme, but she went on to create her debut documentary, Zara McDermott: Revenge Porn, in 2020, which recounted an event in which nude images of her were released when she was 14 years old.
Zara McDermott: Uncovering Rape Culture, Zara McDermott: Disordered Eating, and Gaia: A Death on Dancing Ledge are among the films she has fronted.
Showing up on Zara’s first foray into a reality TV competition was on The X Factor: Celebrity in 2019 as part of No Love Lost, a group that included fellow Love Islanders Eyal Booker, Samira Mighty, and Wes Nelson.
What happened to Adam Collard and Zara McDermott?
Her relationship with Adam did not continue, and they split up eight months after leaving the villa.
‘I am heartbroken to report that Adam and I have parted ways,’ Zara stated in a statement. I adore him and will always hold a particular place in my heart for him and our time together.
‘I’ve worked so hard to be the best person I can be and make things work. Sometimes in life, no matter what you do or how hard you try, you just aren’t enough for someone.’
Zara married Made in Chelsea actor Sam Thompson in 2019, and the couple has been inseparable since, constantly sharing beautiful updates on social media of their travels.
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To celebrate her boyfriend’s birthday, she shared a beautiful tribute to him on social media, including a photo of the two cuddling up and smiled for the camera.
She wrote: ‘❤️HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAMMY❤️ You have taught me not to take life too seriously. You have taught me that laughter is the best medicine, always. You seriously are one in a million in every single way. I really don’t know what I’d do without you… I absolutely adore you beyond words. Love you endlessly 💕✨🤍 (swipe for my favourite video ever 😂).’
Source My Celebrity Life.
