Zara McDermott looks loved up with Sam Thompson in Ibiza amid Strictly scandal

Zara McDermott has been spotted soaking up the sunshine during a holiday abroad with Sam Thompson amid the ongoing Strictly scandal.

The former Love Island star, 27, was ‘kicked and hit’ by her pro partner Graziano Di Prima during her time competing on the long-running BBC series last year.

After the 30-year-old Italian dancer announced he’d left the series last month, Zara released a statement that addressed ‘distressing incidents’ that occurred in the training room.

She also went on to share she’d been nervous to ‘open up’ about her time on the show due to the fear of ‘public backlash and victim shaming’.

In the aftermath Zara was largely flooded with support, however, did face some negative comments from former Strictly stars.

A few weeks on, the reality TV star and documentary presenter has been seen beaming after leaving the country.

Last week her boyfriend Sam Thompson celebrated his 32^nd birthday, with the couple jetting off to Ibiza with some friends and family, including his sister Louise Thompson and her husband Ryan Libbey.  

Posting a photo with Zara on Instagram, Sam simply captioned the post of them lying down and smiling as: ‘Holiday <3.’

Zara and Sam started dating in 2019 after they began communicating on Instagram, with the former Made in Chelsea star once explaining how she ‘slid into my DMs’.

Meanwhile Ryan shared a photo with the four of them posing in a garden on their holiday as well.

Sam’s best friend Pete Wicks was also in attendance for the festivities.

A few days ago, Sam also shared a series of snaps with his loved ones, captioning the post: ‘It was my birthday today. 32 years old! Spending it with my nearest and dearest. I’m not very good at soppy captions, but I just wanted to say how grateful I am for this year and to all of you. I haven’t stopped smiling! You are my family. Here’s to another year! Love you.’

The holiday comes after Zara and Sam sparked rumours their relationship was suffering in the face of the Strictly drama after being spotted looking heated in public.

A source then told The Sun they were ‘in the process of trying to work through their issues’ and ‘needed some time’.

After the claims of ‘physical incidents’ Graziano, 30, put out a statement saying he ‘deeply regrets’ his actions.

He was previously confirmed to be part of the lineup of professional dancers for the 2024 season, which will celebrate the show’s 20th anniversary, but will no longer be involved.

‘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,’ he wrote on Instagram.

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

Strictly Come Dancing returns to the BBC later this year.

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