Sam Thompson issues scathing verdict about Strictly Come Dancing girlfriend Zara McDermott

Zara McDermott is one of the celebrities Cha Cha Cha-ing across screens on Strictly Come Dancing every weekend.

Strictly Come Dancing star Zara McDermott has made a name for herself in the documentary world - however, Love Island fans will remember that she originally took part in the fourth series of the hit ITV2 reality show. While it's been five years since Zara stepped into the Love Island villa, the 26-year-old has said that she's "a completely different person" today but isn't "ashamed" of her reality TV past. Speaking to OK! in an exclusive interview, Zara said that she's "grateful, humbled and flattered" to be Strictly's first Love Island contestant.

Strictly Come Dancing professional Graziano Di Prima has opened up about his family back in Italy, revealing that they've only watched the live show once in the five years he's been in the cast. The 29-year-old made his debut in series 16 alongside radio presenter Vick Hope and has since been partnered with Judi Love, Kym Marsh and this year's Zara McDermott.

Zara McDermott has opened up about her relationship with boyfriend Sam Thompson and his feelings about her doing Strictly Come Dancing, revealing that it's "not always completely balanced" for the couple. The 26-year-old Love Island star is currently partnered up with Italian professional Graziano Di Prima on the BBC One show and spends most of her time in training for Saturday night. When asked how she's balanced her relationship with the Strictly experience, Zara told OK! in an exclusive interview that Made in Chelsea 's Sam has been "amazing" throughout.

Strictly Come Dancing professional Graziano Di Prima has spoken about the moment he landed in the bottom two with Zara McDermott - and how he spurred her on to dance another week. The 26-year-old former Love Island star made it safely through this weekend's show after winning audiences over with her Viennese Waltz. However, her Movie Week Paso Doble landed her in the dance-off the weekend before, with the documentary presenter fighting radio DJ Nikita Kanda for a place in the competition.

Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left sharing a complaint as they spotted Kym Marsh in the audience. The former Coronation Street star was in the ballroom on Saturday night (October 14) but luckily for her, she didn't have to compete following her own stint on the show last year.

Layton Williams, 29, is currently partnered with Strictly Come Dancing professional Nikita Kuzmin and the pair have been lighting up with the dance floor. In their most recent performance for Movie Week, Layton wowed in a pink skirt for his Grease themed Viennese Waltz. However, he thinks after several seasons including same-sex couples, next year bosses could welcome a trans contestant.

Jody Cundy and his professional dance partner Jowita Przystal will be performing the Salsa to Samba de Janeiro by Bellini on Saturday night. The pair have so far avoided the dreaded dance-off but bookies think week four will mark the end of Jody's Strictly Come Dancing journey.

Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima's days are numbered in the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom, according to ex-pro Brendan Cole.The pair are fast approaching Halloween Week after three incrementally improving routines together, but while speaking to Sky Bingo, Brendan, 47, argued that Made in Chelsea star Zara, 26, doesn't quite cut the mustard when it comes to genuine dancing talent. "I'm not expecting much more from Zara McDermott. I'm not expecting a lot because she's not a dancer.

Strictly Come Dancing is renowned for the pressure and hard work of the celebrity contestants, many of whom have little to no dancing experience when they join the battle for the glitterball trophy. And now the partner of Zara McDermott has spoken out about how it feels when you've been in the bottom two, shining a light on how difficult it can be to bounce back.

Maura Higgins has sparked rumours that she's dating Pete Wicks after they were reportedly seen getting close at a Pride of Britain afterparty on Sunday, 8 October. Maura, 32, a former Love Island star, could be seen partying the night away with ex-TOWIE star Pete, 35, with the pair throwing their arms around one another.They were seen in videos posted to Faye Winter's Instagram account as the trio enjoyed the evening. Maura looked sensational for the annual event, in a daring white bow bralet teamed with a flowing satin skirt.

Prepare for an extra sprinkle of Hollywood glamour on the dance floor this weekend, as Strictly Come Dancing's epic Movie Week is back.The 14 remaining dance couples are set to take on an eclectic range of performances inspired by La La Land's biggest films. After finding themselves in the dance-off last week, broadcaster Nikita Kanda and Gorka Márquez will hope their Jive to Kids In America from the 1995 hit Clueless will be enough to save them from a similar fate this time round.

Love Island star Anna Vakili has claimed she had an unfriendly run-in with podcast host and Made in Chelsea alum, Sam Thompson, labelling the reality TV star 'fake' and 'arrogant.' Anna, who gained fame by appearing on the fifth season of ITV2's Love Island, recalled an unexpected encounter with Sam that left her unimpressed.The 33 year old reality personality alleged that she had gone out of her way to compliment Sam's videos but received only a curt response from him before he continued with his day. Even more damning, Anna expressed her belief that regardless of whether Sam recognised her from Love Island, basic politeness should prompt a friendly response when approached by fans.

Strictly Come Dancing fans were shocked after contestant Zara McDermott was caught out treating a foot callus. Boyfriend and reality star Sam Thompson, shared a video clip on Instagram of his partner using an electric callus remover on the bed.

Sophie Habboo and Jamie Laing looked loved-up on the red carpet, following Sophie's admission that she has recently been suffering from "debilitating anxiety." The couple, who tied the knot in London in April, with a lavish second wedding held in Marbella a month later, posed for photos at the British Podcast Awards, where their NearlyWeds podcast is nominated for an award. Opting for some low-key outfits, Sophie, 29, donned a pair of white jeans and a blue denim waistcoat, which she paired with some white boots and a number of chunky bracelets.

Strictly Come Dancing stars Ellie Leach, Graziano De Prima and Vito Coppola were seen laughing and joking around as they left studios in London.The Strictly stars had been filming for the spin-off show It Takes Two on Wednesday, 27 September when Italian professional dancers Graziano, 29, and Vito, 31, could be seen sharing a laugh. At one point Graziano got down on one knee and held out a bunch of flowers to Vito in a heartwarming moment.

Bobby Brazier is already a front-runner in this year's Strictly Come Dancing and he hasn't even performed for the judges yet. The 20-year-old, who has been partner with Dianne Buswell in the dance contest, is a British model and actor best known for his role as Freddie Slater in EastEnders.

Sam Thompson has made the effort to "really get to know" his girlfriend's Strictly Come Dancing partner. Zara McDermott, who Sam has been dating since 2019, is taking part in this year's BBC dancing competition. Ahead of the live shows, TV personality and Made in Chelsea star, Sam wanted to get to Zara's partner professional Graziano Di Prima and his wife, Giada Lini.

In the world of celebrity romance, few couples have faced the public eye with the resilience of Zara McDermott and Sam Thompson. From reality TV fame to a heartfelt reconciliation, this duo has shown that love can weather even the stormiest of setbacks. As Zara takes centre stage on Strictly Come Dancing, Sam stands as her biggest cheerleader.

Made in Chelsea star Lucy Watson has announced she is expecting her first child with husband James Dunmore. The 32-year-old shared the news in a picture posted to her Instagram page of her holding her pregnant stomach.