Topics: BBC, Celebrity, Strictly Come Dancing, TV And Film, UK News, Zara Mcdermott
Zara McDermott has finally broken her silence on the 'incredibly distressing' Strictly Come Dancing incident.
The Made in Chelsea star opened up about being 'scared' after events which took place in the BBC show's training room following the news that her former dance partner, Graziano Di Prima, has now left the programme.
Zara, who appeared alongside Graziano on last year's series, has since taken to social media to share a lengthy statement about how she initially 'wrestled with the fear of opening up'.
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She began: "I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports."
Praising Strictly as 'one of the most magical shows on TV' and one that she dreamt of being on since she was a little girl, Zara continued: "When I was invited to be a contestant on the show it really was a childhood dream come true.
"I fully understood the level of commitment and hard work that Strictly was going to be and I dedicated everything to it. I am a resilient person and I was fully prepared to put in whatever it took.
"And so much of my Strictly experience was everything I could have dreamt of."
The documentary-maker went on to praise the 'entire production team and everyone behind the scenes', as well as her fellow contestants who she described as being 'so amazing to work with'.
"However," she went on, "my experience inside the training room was very different.
"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."
Zara candidly shared that she has 'wrestled with the fear of opening up' as she was scared about 'public backlash'.
She said: "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."
The Love Island veteran continued: "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."
She rounded off the post thanking the BBC and BBC Studios for their 'swift action' and 'incredibly high level of support', as well as everyone who has reached out to her adding: "It really truly means a lot. Love, always. Zara."
Over the weekend (13 July), the BBC announced that Graziano was 'no longer a part of the line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series'.
The dancer said he 'deeply regrets' the events leading up to his departure from the programme and acknowledged that his 'intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime'.
In his statement, Graziano - who previously denied the claims that his behaviour was 'abusive or threatening' - said it was 'best for the show that I step away', adding: "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. 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."
