08 September 2023 , 11:42
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Zara McDermott has teased the identity of her Strictly Come Dancing partner in her latest social media update, just a few weeks after it was revealed that she'd be joining the 21st season of the popular BBC One reality series.
The Love Island 2018 star took to Instagram on Thursday to share exciting updates about her training for the competition, which kicks off with its launch show on Saturday, 16 September. Zara, 26, found fame on the fourth series of the ITV dating franchise in 2018 before being evicted from its Mallorca villa on Day 25. She is currently dating Made in Chelsea star, Sam Thompson.
In her latest Story, Zara revealed she'd suffered a minor injury on her big toe from the intensive training. The Essex native posted a snap of her damaged toe peeping out of a flip flop, before joking to fans it had seen "better days."
Meanwhile, Strictly Come Dancing pro Katya Jones shared a video of Zara's tote bag holding her stiletto shoes with the caption, "Priorities have changed." The post lead some fans to thinking Zara and Katya had been paired up. However, Katya soon took to her Instagram stories to clear that up. During a question and answer session on her own Instagram stories, Katya was quizzed on her partner and wrote: "I did talk to him, but it wasn't him who was wearing flip-flops."
Zara McDermott teases Strictly partner as she admits she's 'desperate' to reveal their identity (zara_mcdermott/Instagram)
Zara also shared a photo of her damaged big toe from training (zara_mcdermott/Instagram)Fans of the glitzy show are itching to know the professional partners of each Strictly stars, but as per tradition, the cast has been banned from sharing any spoilers. Zara did pique interest, however, after revealing she's "so desperate" to share who she'll be dancing with on the highly-anticipated live shows. The teasing message was posted alongside a selfie of her smiling broadly, suggesting she's more than pleased with who she's been matched with.
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"My face constantly at the moment...ready for another day. I'm so desperate to tell you all who my pro partner is," she captioned the cheeky snap shared to her Instagram stories.
Zara will be joined on Strictly by an impressive lineup of talented celebrities, including Amanda Abbington, Angela Rippon, Layton Williams, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Eddie Kadi and Angela Scanlon. She'll also be competing against Adam Thomas, Nikita Kanda Ellie Leach, Jody Cundy CBE, Bobby Brazier, Nigel Harman, Annabel Croft and Les Dennis.
Zara was the seventh celebrity confirmed for Strictly 2023 (BBC)Zara has long has an emotional attachment to Strictly, having watched it every year growing up with her beloved nana.
"We would dance around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life," she said. "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."
Zara is no stranger to the performing arts, having already competed on the celebrity edition of The X Factor in 2019. The former government advisor shocked viewers after revealing her strong singing voice, and has previously admitting to hiding out in her studio on Sundays to write music and record covers.