Zara McDermott is fifth celebrity booted off ‘Strictly Come Dancing’

29 October 2023

Zara McDermott is the fifth celebrity to be eliminated from ‘Strictly Come Dancing 2023’.

Zara McDermott is the fifth celebrity to be eliminated from ‘Strictly Come Dancing 2023’

The former ‘Love Island’ contestant, 26, and her professional dancer partner Graziano Di Prima, 29, were booted off the BBC One ballroom show on Sunday (29.10.23) night after losing their dance-off against ‘Emmerdale’ actor Adam Thomas, 35, and his 33-year-old pro partner Luba Mushtuk.

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.”

Graziano added about working with Zara: “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.”

Sunday’s results show saw the remaining couples take to the Ballroom floor in front of judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton DuBeke and Shirley Ballas.

Zara and Graziano Di Prima performed their Charleston to ‘Jeepers Creepers’ by Al Donahue and his Orchestra, which they had done on Saturday night’s Halloween special edition of the show.

Adam and Luba Mushtuk performed their American Smooth to ‘Magic Moments’ by Perry Como.

Craig chose to save Adam and Luba, saying: “For me one couple did remarkably well and nailed that routine. That couple is Adam and Luba.”

Motsi also went for the couple, adding: “Well I feel there was definitely a fighting spirit from both couples, I think both couples improved remarkably, they were both stunning, I will save Adam and Luba.”

Anton backed Adam and Luba, saying: “Well it’s not much of a consolation now – but both couples danced very well and both couples put their best foot forward. But for me it was couple that was the best quality – and that couple is Adam and Luba.”

With three votes to Adam and Luba it meant they had won the majority vote and would be staying in the competition regardless.

But head judge Shirley Ballas also said she would have decided to save Adam and Luba, adding: “I agreed I would have saved Adam and Luba.”

The results show opened with a Wednesday Addams-inspired routine from our ‘Strictly’ professionals, and there was a guest music performance from Rick Astley of his new single ‘Forever and More’.

The remaining nine couples will take to the dancefloor next week when ‘Strictly’ returns on Saturday 4 November at 7.05pm, with the results show on Sunday 5 November at 7.20pm on BBC One.

Zara and Graziano will be joining host Fleur East for their first exclusive televised interview live on ‘Strictly It Takes Two’ on Monday 30 October at 6.30pm on BBC Two.