Zara McDermott has been confirmed as the seventh celebrity taking part in the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The former Love Island star, 26, was announced during Vick Hope and Jordan North’s Radio 1 afternoon show on Monday.
Following the announcement Zara 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!’
Before adding: ‘I can’t wait to throw myself into this experience and start training. It’s going to be incredible’.
Taking to the floor! Zara McDermott, 26, has been confirmed as the seventh celebrity taking part in the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing
Big news! The former Love Island star was announced during Vick Hope and Jordan North’s Radio 1 show on Monday
Chatting on Radio 1 she told Vick and stand-in host Jamie Laing: ‘Hello I’m Zara and I’m going to be on Strictly this year! I am nervous, excited and every single emotion.’
Asked what dances she thinks she will prefer she added: ‘I think ballroom the more emotional stuff I will be good at! I need to ask you guys for tips and advice!’
Zara added of her nerves: ‘It is so far from my day job making documentaries. But this is live and so far out of my comfort zone.
‘I have zero experience. I don’t even dance in a club I am that petrified of how my body moves! But I am excited for the theatrics of it and to play a character.’
Jamie and Vick who have both already competed on the show then offered her some advice and information on what to expect.
Asked if it was hard to keep a secret she said: ‘I didn’t even tell my own family until this weekend! It’s been so hard to keep it a secret but my grandparents were so so happy! They are listening now!’
She joins already announced stars Angela Rippon, Amanda Abbington, Layton Williams, Krishnan Guru-Murphy Eddie Kadi and Angela Scanlon.
In July MailOnline exclusively revealed that documentary maker Zara would become the first ever Love Island contestant to appear on the BBC show.
Bosses believed having her on the programme will attract more younger people to watch the show and give her the opportunity to further her career with the broadcaster.
First time: In July MailOnline exclusively revealed that documentary maker Zara would become the first ever Love Island contestant to appear on the BBC show
Lovebirds: However, it is unlikely that she will fall victim to the infamous Strictly curse because she is dating Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson , 30, with whom she has starred alongside on the E4 show
However, it is unlikely that she will fall victim to the infamous Strictly curse because she is dating Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson, 30, with whom she has starred alongside on the E4 show.
The influencer has a large social media following after rising to fame on Love Island in 2018 and competing on The X Factor: Celebrity the following year, performing for Simon Cowell on the ITV series.
Zara’s audience has since grown, with the star amassing over 1.7million followers, as she continues to team up with boyfriend and TV presenter Sam on TikTok and Instagram videos, which often feature the pair showcasing their dance moves.
Up until now, the BBC has not recruited anyone who has found fame on Love Island to compete for the Glitterball trophy, but they believe due to her focus on documentary making that Zara fits the bill.
Zara has fronted several documentaries for BBC Three including about her experience of revenge porn and the rise of eating disorders among teens, which are topics that resonate with her young fanbase.
Loose Women star Sophie Morgan has also reportedly signed up, becoming the show’s first ever wheelchair-using contestant.
While Angela Rippon, 79, is set to be the oldest ever contestant following Johnny Ball’s 2012 appearance aged 74.
Last year’s competition saw wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin win the show alongside professional dancer Jowita Przystal.
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?
Angela Rippon
Age: 78
Profession: Journalist
Angela says: ‘Having been a fan of Strictly since day one, and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me. A scary one, considering I’m about to be 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge, and perhaps being able to learn to dance the Argentine Tango.’
Amanda Abbington
Age: 49
Profession: Actress
Amanda says: ‘I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I’m actually really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things.’
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: Actor
Layton says: ‘Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Krishnan Guru-Murphy
Age: 53
Profession: Journalist
Krishnan says: ‘I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused to find myself taking part in Strictly on the basis of ‘You only live once!’ I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I am slightly worried about my general decrepitude.’
Eddie Kadi
Age: 40
Profession: Comedian and radio presenter
Eddie says: ‘WOW. Anyone who knows me, understands that music and dance is so important and central to who I am. I’m so unbelievably proud and honoured that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 Team. I promise you, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. This is going to be a VIBE.
Angela Scanlon
Age: 39
Profession: TV presenter
Angela says: ‘I’m not particularly fit, I’ve no idea how my pelvic floor is going to react to this dancing. I’ve never done any dances apart from drunken jiving at a wedding!’
Zara McDermott
Age: 26
Profession: Documentary maker and former Love Island star
Zara says: ‘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.’
