FORMER Strictly contestant Zara McDermott is seen out for the first time since the news of her pro partner Graziano Di Prima’s sacking from the show.
The star, 27, looked tense as she walked close to her London home with partner, I’m A Celebrity winner and TV personality Sam Thompson.
Graziano left after it was claimed he kicked Zara — his partner in last year’s show — during training.
People close to her said she had booked into a private member’s club, Soho Farmhouse, with friends to give herself a break from the events of recent days.
A pal added: “Zara has received a huge amount of support but naturally this has been overwhelming.”
Zara responded in a lengthy statement and said she was “scared to speak up”.
She said: “I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports.
“Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV and one that I dreamt of being on since I was a little girl.
“When I was invited to be a contestant on the show it really was a childhood dream come true.”
Zara said she “fully understood” how much commitment and hard work would be needed on the show and insisted she is “resilient” and was ready to “put in whatever it took”.
She praised her fellow contestants and the production team, saying they were “amazing to work with” – but added her “experience inside the training room was very different”.
The star continued: “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.
“I have wrestled with the fear of opening up – I was scared about public backlash, 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.”
Zara added: “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.
“I would like to thank the BBC & BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me – it really truly means a lot. Love, always. Zara.”
The allegations against Graziano came to light during the inquiry into claims that Strictly pro-Giovanni Pernice, 33, bullied his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington, 50, on the last series – which he has strenuously denied.
