Zara McDermott has been officially announced as the seventh celebrity contestant for the upcoming season of the popular show “Strictly Come Dancing.” The renowned entertainment program, produced by BBC Studios, is set to return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this autumn, promising another season filled with glitz, glamour, and sensational dancing that will captivate audiences all across the country.
Zara McDermott is a distinguished broadcaster and content creator, known for her impactful work in the field. Prior to her appearance on Love Island in 2018, she served as a government policy advisor, working for prestigious departments such as the Department of Energy and Climate Change and the Department of Education.
Among Zara’s biggest passions is the creation of documentaries that tackle pressing issues and engage in meaningful conversations, particularly aimed at educating young individuals. She has already fronted five successful BBC films, including topics like Revenge Porn, Uncovering Rape Culture, Disordered Eating, and Gaia: A Death on Dancing Ledge. Additionally, Zara has made her mark as the presenter of the entertainment show “Love In The Flesh” on BBC Three.
Her dedication to helping young people and promoting awareness has been widely recognised. Zara was invited to Clarence House by the Duchess of Cornwall and the Refuge charity, where she actively contributed to a visit to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). She has collaborated with the government and the Home Office on several campaigns to combat violence against women and girls, notably leading a campaign that led to changes in laws protecting victims of digital abuse. Zara proudly serves as an ambassador for the Shaping Us campaign at the Centre of Early Childhood, an initiative launched by Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales.
Zara McDermott said: “I am so excited to be joining the world of Strictly! I grew up watching it every year with my nan and she was the biggest Strictly fan. We would dance around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life. I even remember the first-ever series, and being mesmerised by all the beautiful dresses! I can’t wait to throw myself into this experience and start training. It’s going to be incredible.”
The news of Zara McDermott’s participation in Strictly Come Dancing was officially disclosed on the radio show “Going Home with Vick and Jordan” on BBC Radio 1 on Monday, 7 August.
