She made her debut last week as the Strictly bombshell, after reportedly telling BBC bosses that she’s ready to bring the sex factor to this year’s show.
Former Love Island star Zara McDermott 26, looked incredible on the dance floor with her hunky Italian dance partner, Graziano Di Prima, 29, during Saturday night’s show.
After the pairings were announced, many took to social media to joke that Zara’s boyfriend, Sam Thompson, 31, “must be sweating”, as they cruelly compared the Made In Chelsea star to the “6ft 4 Italian stallion” who recently married Giada Lini, 32.
And while the couple were torn apart by Zara’s infidelity after she cheated with music boss Brahim Fouradi during her stint on X Factor: Celebrity in 2019, pals say she’s vowed not to fall victim to the infamous Strictly “curse”.
A source says, “They had that bump in the road early on in their relationship, but Zara and Sam feel like they’re in the strongest place they could be these days and trust each other more now than ever.
“Having made that mistake before, Sam knows Zara would never let history repeat itself and risk their future together – they’ve both made a pact to be open and honest with one another throughout and continue to prioritise each other no matter how crazy and hectic their schedules get, to ensure that doesn’t falter.”
After discovering the truth about Zara’s fling with A&R man Brahim, heartbroken Sam ended their 16-month relationship and booted her out of his London home in September 2020.
The drama played out on Made In Chelsea, with a sobbing Zara begging for forgiveness after Sam admitted he’d been planning to propose. But since reuniting just months later, their relationship has gone from strength to strength – with Sam supporting his girlfriend through her candid documentary on eating disorders, where she bravely opened up about her long-term battle with bulimia.
And last year, Zara revealed she’d secretly undergone a boob job in 2021 to make her chest look “more balanced and symmetrical” – admitting she quit reality TV and sought therapy after years of trolling.
The source adds, “Zara’s been through a lot in her personal life and Sam has been her No.1 supporter through it all.
“Before agreeing to do Strictly, she assured him she’d do whatever it takes to settle any trust issues. She introduced Sam to Graziano immediately and invited Graziano and [his wife] Giada for dinner. She’s done everything to assure him that nothing will happen – she’d never hurt him again.
“Zara’s never been more in love with her man. She wants to start a family with Sam and she’s hoping that it won’t be long before she gets a proposal.”
