In Strictly Come Dancing news, Zara McDermott has broken her silence on Instagram after complaints over last night’s elimination.
Viewers saw radio host Eddie Kadi and his pro partner Karen Hauer booted during Sunday (October 22) evening’s episode.
Eddie and Karen had been bottom of the leaderboard before the public vote – and were pitted against Love Island cast member Zara and her dance partner Graziano di Prima.
Strictly Come Dancing latest: Week 5 elimination news
Eddie and Karen had been bottom of the leaderboard before the public vote with 24 points. They were pitted against Love Island cast member Zara and her dance partner Graziano di Prima.
Zara and Graziano had also found themselves in the bottom half of the judges’ scorings, with 28. However, Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe were given 27 points, and so were just below Zara and Graziano.
However, when it came to the dance off, Zara and Graziano were spared by the judges, with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas all putting the pairing through to next weekend’s Halloween-themed show.
But while the judges were unanimous, viewers had a mixed response to Eddie leaving ahead of Zara. And Zara went on to share her thoughts on Instagram with a long post.
Strictly thoughts from Zara McDermott
She admitted being in the dance off again was “definitely not the easiest moment of our Strictly journey so far”.
Zara explained: “I think I let those nerves get the better of me during our performance, and I knew I could have done better.
“I definitely felt like I let myself down when I walked off the dance floor, as I knew I could have pushed through those jelly legs a bit more, both physically and mentally! But the main thing is that we are so grateful to the judges for saving us.”
She went on by insisting she will not allow her nerves to stop her from her doing her best, adding: “This week we will come back even stronger than before and I’m ready to be pushed out of my comfort zone to prove that I can take on that challenge, turn the negatives into positives, learn from the judges’ comments and keep strong, even through the moments that feel the toughest.”
How fans reacted
Zara’s supporters offered her plenty of support in her post’s comments section.
“You have to relax, get that chin back up and bring it this week. YOU GOT THIS,” one fan reassured her.
Another said: “You did amazing this week. You did not let yourself down, you have improved so, so much. Please come back fighting next week and show us all that you have earned your right to remain in this competition.”
Show us all that you have earned your right to remain in this competition.
“Try not to let it get you down and use it as fuel to come back and show them what you’re made of,” another person advised Zara about feeling nervous. They added: “I’ve really enjoyed your performances these last few weeks, it’s obvious you’re putting the work in and trying your best. Keep going, I’m really pleased you’re through.”
View this post on Instagram
And another person wrote: “Your homework for next week, is finding the fun and hanging loose! Get really relaxed. Free yourself up. And take the pressure off yourself. And I’m sure, if you do all that, you won’t feel so nervous anymore. Pretend you’re dancing with your best girl pals in a nightclub and you don’t care who’s watching.”
Meanwhile, Eddie encouraged her: “Go get em Z.”
Strictly Come Dancing 2023 continues on Saturday October 28, on BBC One at 6.40pm. It Takes Two airs on weekdays on BBC Two, at 6.30pm.
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