Zara McDermott announced as seventh Strictly Come Dancing contestant
She's the first Love Island star to take part
Last updated 7th Aug 2023
Love Island star Zara McDermott has been announced as the seventh contestant on this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The documentary maker will be the first Love Island contestant to take part in the popular BBC show when it returns later this year. Speaking about her excitement to appear on the show, 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! I can’t wait to throw myself into this experience and start training. It’s going to be incredible."
Zara joins previously announced contestants actress Amanda Abbington, presenter Angela Rippon, musical theatre star Layton Williams, journalist Krishnan Guru-Murthy, radio presenter Eddie Kadi and presenter Angela Scanlon on the show.
The full line-up has yet to be announced.
Take a look at the celebrities who will be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2023:
Ellie Leach - WINNER
Age: 22
Known for: Coronation Street actress
Layton Williams - FINALIST
Age: 28
Known for: Actor/West End star
Bobby Brazier - FINALIST
Age: 20
Known for: EastEnders actor
Annabel Croft - ELIMINATED
Age: 57
Known for: Former professional tennis player
Nigel Harman - QUIT
Age: 49
Known for: Actor
Angela Rippon - ELIMINATED
Age: 78
Known for: Journalist/TV presenter
Amanda Abbington - QUIT
Age: 49
Known for: Actress
Angela Scanlon - ELIMINATED
Age: 39
Known for: Irish TV presenter
Krishan Guru-Murthy - ELIMINATED
Age: 53
Known for: Journalist/News reader
Adam Thomas - ELIMINATED
Age: 34
Known for: Actor
Zara McDermott - ELIMINATED
Age: 26
Known for: Former Love Island contestant and TV presenter
Eddie Kadi - ELIMINATED
Age: 40
Known for: Comedian/Radio DJ
Jody Cundy - ELIMINATED
Age: 45
Known for: Gold medallist Paralympian
Nikita Kanda - ELIMINATED
Age: Unknown
Known for: Radio DJ
Les Dennis - ELIMINATED
Age: 69
Known for: TV presenter, comedian and actor
Eliminated in Week Two
Zara, who is in a long-term relationship with former Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson, is no stranger to TV.
After finding fame on Love Island alongside the likes of Dani Dyer, Jack Fincham and Adam Collard in 2018, Zara went on to take part in Celebrity X Factor, creating a Love Island supergroup alongside Eyal Booker, Wes Nelson and Samira Mighty.
As well as joining her boyfriend Sam on Made In Chelsea, in recent years Zara has turned her hand to documentaries, working with the BBC.
Earlier this week, 26-year-old Zara told fans of her latest project, writing on Instagram: 'I have a huge announcement to make… my latest series “Zara McDermott: Inside Ibiza” is happening! 🏝️ I’m going to be here for the summer, discovering how the party island is changing, as well as how it operates over the course of the season. I am also looking at the challenges that the island faces over the course of the summer too, as so many of us travel to Ibiza this year. This is my FIRST international film project, and I couldn’t be more excited to learn a huge amount this summer, I hope it’s informative, fun, insightful and, as always, thoughtful, in my own Zara way. ❤️ I will be working hard with the team to make this series and I cannot wait for you guys to see it in 2024!!🎉❤️ @bbcthree'. (sic)
Strictly Come Dancing is due to return later this year.
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