Zara McDermott and Sam Thompson ‘giving relationship one more go’ after Strictly drama

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Zara McDermott and her boyfriend Sam Thompson are reportedly giving their relationship ‘one more go’.

In recent days, Zara has become embroiled in a drama surrounding the BBC series, after it was claimed that her professional dance partner Graziano Di Prima, who she was partnered with for the 2023 season, ‘kicked and hit’ her.

While the former Love Island contestant said that it was ‘not a singular incident’, a representative for the dancer stated: ‘This week the news agenda has focused on an isolated incident that Mr Di Prima deeply regrets and apologised for at the time.

‘The deluge of commentary, too often without context or nuance, has provoked a pile-on that has left a young man in a very vulnerable state.’

Amid the claims that have been made about her time on Strictly, it’s been reported that Zara, 27, and her boyfriend Sam, 31, have faced a rocky patch in their relationship as of late.

The pair were recently seen going on a stroll together, appearing to look downcast but calm as Made In Chelsea star Sam placed a comforting hand on his girlfriend’s back.

According to a source, the couple have recently been at ‘breaking point’ over the ‘overwhelming’ events of the past month.

‘Things have been very up and down for Zara and Sam over the past few months and there have been points that they’ve thought about ending it,’ they told OK! magazine.

The insider claimed that Zara had been ‘terrified’ over how the public would react to the allegations made against Strictly star Graziano, 30, who has since been dropped from the programme’s pro line-up.

‘She felt she was at breaking point and if she didn’t release that statement, then things would be a lot worse. She’s had so much support but it’s only now that she’s realising the impact that it all had on her,’ they stated.

‘Ultimately that put extra stress and pressure on her and Sam as they were both dealing with a lot. She feels her Strictly experience has been tarnished. There have been a lot of tears.’

However, they added that they are ‘determined to try to give it one more go’.

When it was revealed that Graziano had left Strictly, he wrote in a statement posted on Instagram: ‘I deeply regret the actions that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.

‘Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away. While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.

‘I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future. I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally.

‘When the time is right, I will share my story.’

Zara then posted her own statement, explaining that she had dreamt of being on Strictly since she was a ‘little girl’.

‘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,’ she wrote.

‘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 praised the people who worked on Strictly behind the scenes as being ‘amazing to work with’, but outlined how her time in the rehearsal room ‘was very different’.

‘There were witnesses to some events as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch,’ she shared.

‘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.’

Confirming Graziano’s departure from Strictly, the BBC said: ‘We can confirm that Graziano Di Prima is no longer a part of the line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.

‘While we would never comment on individual cases, it is well-known that the BBC has established and robust duty of care procedures, and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate.’

A representative for Sam Thompson declined to comment when contacted by Metro.co.uk. Metro.co.uk has contacted representatives of Zara McDermott for comment.