14 October 2023 , 16:30
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Zara McDermott has opened up about "feeling bad" every week during her Strictly Come Dancing experience. The reality star, who is the first Love Island contestant to take part in the well-loved BBC dancing show, has been impressing viewers and judges alike with her dance moves, having been paired with Graziano Di Prima.
They both appeared together on the red carpet at the Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain awards, where Zara looked stunning in a white form-fitting gown with a thigh-high split and glittery mesh corset. But behind the scenes, the reality star revealed that she "feels bad" every week due to the close-knit nature of the competition.
Speaking at the Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain awards, Zara explained that signing up for Strictly was completely out of her comfort zone and has been like learning a new language. She told the Daily Star: "When I signed up for Strictly it was completely out of my comfort zone. It’s something brand new that I have never done. It’s been confidence-building like learning a new language. There’s a lot of work that goes into it.
Zara looked stunning in a white form-fitting gown with a thigh-high split and glittery mesh corset. (Getty Images)
Zara and Graziano appeared together on the red carpet at the Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain awards (PA)"In Strictly we’re in our own little bubble and set our own goals. I just focus on doing my best each week. The spirit is really good, but every week you feel a bit bad because you’re so close and everyone roots for everyone else. It’s a competition but it doesn’t feel like that sometimes because you just want everyone else to do really well. It’s like a family.”
The reality star has been putting in 11-hour days with her pro partner Graziano Di Prima, leaving her with very little time to spend with her boyfriend, radio DJ Sam Thompson. In a recent interview, Zara revealed that she has been practising her steps with her cats Albus and Cedric when Sam is not around.
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Speaking about her intense schedule, Zara previously said: "We did 11 hours last week, 8-7 pm and we really didn't stop. Sam does his radio show every evening so when I come home from training, he's at work so I rehearse on my own or use one of the cats."
The reality star has been putting in 11-hour days with her pro partner Graziano Di Prima (PA)Despite a hectic schedule, Zara and Graziano have been hailed as the most genuine couple among all the partners on launch night by body language experts. Darren Stanton, a body language expert from Betfair Bingo, predicted that the duo could go far in the competition.
Darren said: "Zara and Graziano have a great rapport with lots of reciprocal liking and tactile moments throughout rehearsals and during the routine. It's clear Zara has a lot of confidence and trust in Graziano through her authentic smiles and their friendly connection.
"They gave each other lovely signals of pride and reassurance during the routine. There's a lot of respect between them. I think they could go on to be potential winners of the competition."