'Strictly Come Dancing' star Zara McDermott reportedly worried that she lost votes due to her past on 'Love Island'.
Zara McDermott got the boot from Strictly on Sunday night
The 26-year-old reality TV star shot to fame on the ITV dating show back in 2018 and she became the first former 'Love Island' star to land a place on Strictly when she was announced in the 2023 line-up - but she crashed out on Sunday night 29.10.23) after losing the dance-off to ‘Emmerdale’ actor Adam Thomas.
Now a new report suggests Zara feared she wasn't able to shake off the 'Love Island label. A source told The Sun newspaper: "Zara has tried hard to shake off that label she was given after she starred on Love Island, making waves with her BBC documentary. She’s been very vocal about her past issues as a youngster in documentaries, but she also comes from a show which is about hot boys and girls hooking up.
"So while Zara was being pushed as the one to watch, with BBC bosses giving her this opportunity, it doesn’t seem that she’s been well received by the show’s fans ..."
The insider added: "Ultimately, she’s still remembered as a reality star and she feels that viewers just couldn’t get past her being an ex-'Love Island' contestant."
When asked by ‘Strictly’ co-host Tess Daly about her time on the show, Zara said: “I have had the time of my life. Just to be here is incredible. Thank you to the judges and my amazing partner obviously. “My fellow contestants are just incredible. It has been the most amazing experience. “I can’t believe it’s over but I am going to be here in spirit every week supporting them."
Her dancer partner Graziano Di Prima added: "She has been great for me 8am till 9pm. “Never stopping asking just for a half an hour break. She is literally what ‘Strictly’ is all about. “A real novice, coming in, putting all the hard job. You have such a good soul. “You are so humble and I say thank you that I found a friend like you. I have learnt so much from you. “And your hard work within six weeks. You have never danced before. I am so proud of you. So proud of you, honestly.”
Tagged in Zara McDermott