ZARA McDermott’s dramatic return to the Strictly ballroom last night may have been a boost for the crisis hit show, but it seems bosses were keen to keep her presence in the studio on the downlow.
The 27-year-old returned as an audience member last night, just weeks after her former dance partner Graziano Di Prima was sacked for kicking her during rehearsals.
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But eagle-eyed fans have noted that after capturing her in the audience, the camera strategically cut away, switching to Fleur East’s hair.
One fan said: “Producers panicking that its showing Zara, so went to Fleur’s hair instead.”
Another said: “Not the camera cutting away quickly when it was closing in on Zara McDermott.”
Meanwhile, another said pointedly: “Didn’t Zara McDermott make all those allegations about the pros and now she’s in the audience.”
Another person highlighted a possible reason why the camera promptly cut away from her.
They said: “The fact that Zara McDermott is in the audience tonight at Strictly is an absolute joke. If a journey was so traumatic, you wouldn’t go back to the studio to watch it. Ruined a fantastic dancer’s reputation.”
The form Love Island star joined boyfriend Sam Thompson to support their friend Pete Wicks for his first live performance.
In contrast to what the fans might believe, insiders say that Zara’s presence was in fact a vote of confidence for the BBC.
A source said: “Zara was there to support her mate — but it does look good for the BBC too.
“It’s a massive vote of confidence for them and bosses must be ecstatic. Zara is trying to put everything behind her and just wants to move on.
“This shows that she still has a lot of love for Strictly — and wants the world to see that.
In July The Sun revealed that Zara’s former dance partner Graziano had been sacked after Strictly bosses were handed the shock footage.
The Italian, dance professional 30, was accused of hitting, spitting and kicking Zara during rehearsals for last year’s series.
He has since confessed to kicking her by accident but branded other claims “vile and false”.
He said in a statement: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly.”
The claims levelled against Graziano became the biggest scandal to embroil Strictly in 20 years since the show began.
It follows bullying claims by actress Amanda Abbington and other celebrities against another Italian dancer, former pro Giovanni Pernice.
Sherlock star Amanda, 50, lodged a complaint against Giovanni after she quit last year’s show early, accusing him of being “abusive, cruel and mean”.
The dancer, 34, who left Strictly after nine years in May, has denied any wrongdoing.
Six people are believed to provided statements during the BBC investigation into the allegations, with the findings yet to be released.
Zara’s shock appearance last night comes just a week after the ratings slump for the Saturday night launch show, which hit a record low, in light of the scandals.
The BBC One juggernaut only had a peak audience of 5.7million — a million down on the same show last year and 3.3million lower than the nine million peak who watched in 2020.
A TV insider said of the Giovanni probe: “The BBC is set to publish its investigation any day now so tensions are running high behind the scenes.
“Zara has always considered herself still part of the Strictly family and the BBC are overjoyed she has chosen to come back as a guest.”
It is understood that each contestant is offered a pair of tickets every week to invite family and friends to the live performances.
The BBC are also believed to have a number of tickets for previous contestants and friends of the show so they can also watch.
Last year Pete joined Sam in the audience to support Zara on the show.
The two pals, who host the Staying Relevant podcast together, were seen wearing matching floral shirts adorned with a photo of her face.
Despite her ordeal on the show, Pete has revealed that Zara encouraged him to take part.
He said: “Zara was the one that kind of pushed me to do this because she loves the show.
“The first time I saw Strictly was the first live show last year when Zara was on and I just thought, ‘Wow, this is amazing’.
“But I never imagined myself doing it.
“Sequins, all that stuff, isn’t necessarily my style.”
Zara, who is now also a BBC documentary maker, said of her stint: “Everyone behind the scenes as well as my fellow contestants were amazing.”
A BBC spokeswoman said: “We were delighted to welcome Zara McDermott back to watch the first Strictly live show to support her friend Pete Wicks during his first live performance.”
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