Behind the scenes at Strictly Come Dancing, Zara McDermott and Bobby Brazier are apparently in the core of a favouritism argument.
Zara, 26, works for the BBC as a documentary presenter, and Bobby, 20, portrays Freddie Slater in Eastenders.
According to a show insider, their links to the channel have raised questions, with some co-stars feeling they receive preferential treatment on the BBC series.
‘Bobby and Zara are very much seen as “BBC favourites” by their Strictly co-stars,’ the source began.
‘There are rumours of an ‘agenda’ to further them both on the show,’ the source continued.
They added to The Sun: ’After she was saved there were more than a few eyebrows raised backstage.’
Zara and her professional partner Graziano di Prima qualified for the dance-off after finishing last in the public vote and the judges’ ratings. They had to redo their American Smooth to LeAnn Rimes’ Can’t Fight The Moonlight. Eddie Kadi, who also works at the BBC as a Radio 1Xtra DJ, and Karen Hauer had to give Rema and Selena Gomez‘s Samba to Calm Down a second chance.
Zara was saved by judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Shirley Ballas, who all voted to keep her in the competition.
According to reports, this decision sparked some envy.
‘There seems to be an element of jealousy that Zara is through to another week. She is very much a golden girl for the BBC.’
The insider further said that by bringing Bobby on the show, the BBC is attempting to evaluate his popularity. So far, he’s doing extremely well, with the child doing some spectacular performances with partner Dianne Buswell.
Another show insider defended the judges’ judgement and dismissed accusations of favouritism.
‘All of the judges are hugely experienced individuals who judge on dance and dance alone in the main show and in the dance-offs,’ they explained.
‘Any conspiracy theories suggesting otherwise are simply untrue.’
Some viewers also disagreed with the choice to save Zara.
‘Think it’s quite obvious that Zara’s being lined up for promotion,’ mused one viewer.
Think it’s quite obvious that Zara’s being lined up for promotion #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly
— Claire (@Claireyalli) October 22, 2023
#strictly I for one thought the right couple stayed in. Congrats Gratz & Zara 👏🏻👏🏻
— DDKindleVille (@KindleDd) October 22, 2023
There was literally a point when Zara was put down from a lift and just stood there. Still. Doing nothing. And she's the one kept in? #Strictly
— Siân Bennett-Rodgers (@sianrodgers) October 22, 2023
You can tell how much this means to Zara and she is improving each week. Now please stop voting her in the bottom two 😅 #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing
— 1993 (@abcdef_gottago) October 22, 2023
Another wrote: ‘There was literally a point when Zara was put down from a lift and just stood there. Still. Doing nothing. And she’s the one kept in?’
Others agreed with the Strictly judges and are delighted Zara gets at least one more week to dance.
‘You can tell how much this means to Zara and she is improving each week. Now please stop voting her in the bottom two,’ said one supportive fan.
Another view agreed: ‘I for one thought the right couple stayed in. Congrats Gratz & Zara.’
Source My Celebrity Life.