Zara McDermott and boyfriend Sam Thompson are giving their relationship “one last chance” after weeks of “crisis talks”, according to new reports.
The couple, who have been together for four years, sparked separation rumors in recent weeks after a heated argument.
During her “difficult” time, Zara’s Strictly partner Graziano Di Prima admitted to kicking her in rehearsals last year in an apology statement, after he was sacked from the BBC show over his claims.
As shocking details of her Strictly experience emerged, Zara, 27, was apparently struggling to save her long-term relationship with Sam, 31, at the same time, behind closed doors.
There have reportedly been ‘a lot of tears’ and ‘strain in their relationship’ due to the allegations surrounding Graziano, but the pair are said to be supporting each other and doing their best to make it work.
Zara McDermott, 27, and her boyfriend Sam Thompson, 31, are giving their relationship “one last chance” after weeks of “crisis talks,” according to new reports
During their “difficult” time, Zara’s Strictly partner Graziano Di Prima admitted to kicking her in rehearsals last year after he was sacked from the BBC show over his claims.
A source said OK MagazineThings have been very bumpy for Zara and Sam over the past few months and there have been times when they have thought about ending the relationship.
‘Ultimately that (the Graziano scandal) put extra stress and pressure on her and Sam as they were both dealing with a lot. She feels her experience on Strictly has been marred. There have been a lot of tears.
“But they both love each other very much and are determined to try one more time. They know what they have together and they don’t want to regret anything. They are determined to fight to stay together.”
MailOnline has contacted representatives for Zara and Sam for comment.
This comes after Sam became enthralled with Zara after seeing stunning snaps of her in a beauty advert plastered on a tube station wall.
The former Made In Chelsea star took to social media to share her pride at stumbling across Zara’s LookFantastic campaign on the London Underground.
“I was on the subway and… look! Look at that, look at that,” Sam told his followers in a video, as he turned the camera to show the photos of the Zara model. Turning to another passenger on the platform, Sam proudly confirmed: “Sorry, that’s my girl, that’s my lady, that’s my girlfriend.”
Sam’s show of support for Zara comes after rumours circulated that the couple had split when he was seen being comforted by his best friend, Pete Wicks.
The couple, who have been together for four years, sparked rumours that they had split in recent weeks after a heated argument.
As shocking details of her Strictly experience emerged, Zara was seemingly struggling to save her long-term relationship with Sam behind closed doors at the same time.
There have reportedly been “a lot of tears” and “strain in their relationship” due to the allegations surrounding Graziano, but the pair are said to be supporting each other and doing their best to make it work.
On Thursday, Sam filmed herself on Instagram inside a subway station after coming across photos from the Zara campaign.
He captioned the video: “I’m so proud of you goose. You explain to the guy that I know her and I’m not weird (laughing emoji).”
Earlier this week, the professional dancer, who has now returned to his home country of Italy following his dismissal, admitted to kicking Zara in a public statement.
Mark Borkowski, a Graziano’s spokesman said BBC News: ‘There’s never a moment to kick, or have the feeling that that’s the right thing to do, and he knows it. He knows he made a mistake. He apologized at the time.
Referring to the media reports, Mark added: “But he fails to acknowledge some of the problems surrounding the issue. The descriptions of what is being discussed online and how he remembers it do not match up.”
He continued: “He (Graziano) has literally isolated himself from civilisation. I think it’s a smart decision, with the support of his wife. He’s coming to terms with his mental health issues.”
Graziano, who believed the matter had been resolved at the time, was fired from the show after a video featuring the idea reached the BBC last week.
Commenting on his departure on Instagram, Graziano wrote: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win may have affected my training regime.
Earlier this week, the professional dancer, who has now returned to his home country of Italy following his dismissal, admitted to kicking Zara in a public statement.
Graziano, who believed the matter had been resolved at that point, was fired from the show after a video of the idea was presented to the BBC last week (Zara is shown passed out on the floor during rehearsals).
“In accordance with the BBC’s HR process, I understand that it is in the best interests of the programme for me to step down.”
He continued: “While there are aspects of this storyline that involve outside influences that I cannot comment on at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family and the BBC all the best in the future.”
She concluded her message: “I would also like to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.”
Zara has since been seen with just three toenails remaining, with her feet “bleeding” and “passed out” on the floor, while images of her working out have once again surfaced.
Zara broke its silence on Tuesday, admitting it was afraid to come forward and denounce Graziano out of fear for its “future.”
She also wrote on Instagram: “I felt it was only right to post something about the recent media reports. Strictly is one of the most magical shows on television and one I have dreamed of being on since I was a little girl.
‘When I was asked to take part in the show, it was like a childhood dream had come true. I fully understood the level of commitment and hard work that Strictly would entail and I threw myself into it. I am a resilient person and I was fully prepared to give whatever it took.
“And so much of my experience on Strictly was everything I could have dreamed of. It was amazing working with the entire production team and everyone behind the scenes, as well as my fellow contestants.”
‘However, my experience inside the training room was very different. There have been reports published about the treatment I received on the show and there were witnesses to some of the incidents, as well as videos of specific incidents that are incredibly distressing to watch.’
Zara broke its silence on Tuesday, admitting it was afraid to come forward and denounce Graziano out of fear for its “future.”
Zara explained that she did not report the incidents at the time because she was “afraid” of suffering negative reactions.
Zara continued in her statement: ‘I have struggled with the fear of opening up: I was afraid of the public backlash, I was afraid of my future, I was afraid of being victim-shamed.
“But after many conversations with my loved ones, I have 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.
“I have struggled with a fear of opening up – I was afraid of the public backlash, I was afraid of my future, I was afraid of being humiliated as a victim. But after many conversations with people I love, I have 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.
‘The culture of our society makes it difficult for people to express themselves, especially in a world where opinions and voices on social media are so loud. This is something I have seen from working with countless women on my documentaries.
“I would like to thank the BBC and BBC Studios for their quick response and incredible level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me. It means the world to me. Love always. Zara.”
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