Zara McDermott has broken her silence after she became the fifth celebrity to depart Strictly Come Dancing following Sunday’s dance off.
The 26-year-old and her pro partner Graziano Di Prima lost their chance to lift the Glitterball trophy after their Charleston failed to impress judges.
The former reality TV star received a total of 25 points from the judges on Saturday and, following a public vote, faced Waterloo Road’s Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk in the dance-off.
McDermott had come back triumphant from two previous dance-offs but missed out for a third time.
Following the pairs performing once again, judge Craig Revel Horwood said: “For me one couple did remarkably well and nailed that routine. That couple is Adam and Luba.”
Motsi Mabuse made the same decision, nevertheless praising both couples for their routines.
“Well I feel there was definitely a fighting spirit from both couples, I think both couples improved remarkably, they were both stunning,” she said.
Both Anton Du Beke and head judge Shirley Ballas chose to save Thomas and Mushtuk as well.
Following her exit, the former Love Island star took to her Instagram and posted a slew photos of herself with Di Prima and wrote: “I knew this day would come and I tried to prepare myself as best I could for it, but the reality is I don't think it's quite sunk in yet.
“I first dreamt of dancing on Strictly when I was 7 years-old, dancing round the living room wearing my little dress and wishing I could be one of the ‘princesses’ that I saw on screen. Little did I know that it would one day become a reality, and I’d have got myself halfway through the competition.
“I've never been a dancer, or a performer, I've always been self conscious, so I knew that this was going to be a huge challenge physically and mentally, yet it was a challenge I absolutely wanted to take on.
“However, from the day I met you, Graz, you told me every day that I am strong, beautiful and confident. I believe that everything happens for a reason, and I know that we were meant to be friends for life.”
The Love in the Flesh presenter rounded off her post by wishing the remaining Strictly cohort “a truly magical experience for the remainder of the show”, adding: “They are the best bunch of people I've ever met, each one of them so individually unique and wonderful in their own way.
“I also want to thank all the incredible people that work behind the scenes to make this show happen.
“You wouldn't believe how hard these people work, the production team, hair, makeup, wardrobe; it was an honour and a privilege to be a part of something so iconic and magical.”
