The first episode of a groundbreaking BBC documentary on the tragic death of Gaia Pope and the societal failures that contributed to it premiered this week. The three-part series, presented by former reality TV star Zara McDermott, plunges deep into Gaia’s disappearance and sheds light on the circumstances leading to her untimely death from hypothermia on the treacherous Dancing Ledge in coastal Dorset. Zara McDermott, who gained recognition through her own documentary on revenge porn aired on BBC3 in 2021, has since become an advocate against sexual abuse. Her efforts have garnered attention from prominent figures such as Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales, aligning her with Kate’s Shaping Us campaign. McDermott, now 26, is also set to make history as the first-ever Love Island contestant to compete on Strictly Come Dancing. This remarkable transformation sees her transition from a bikini-clad reality star to a powerful advocate for change, tackling pressing issues in society. Let’s take a closer look at Zara’s journey from Love Island fame to shedding light on sexual violence and abuse against women.
LOVE ISLAND: THE REALITY TV BIG BREAK
At just 21 years old, Zara McDermott entered the Love Island villa in Mallorca, where she quickly gained attention as a government adviser. Her dating profile described her as “quite serious” yet “spontaneous, fun, and energetic,” emphasizing her wholehearted approach to relationships. Although she entered the villa on Day 15, her stay lasted only ten days before she was dumped by fellow islander Dr Alex George. Nevertheless, her appearance on the show catapulted her into the spotlight and earned her a considerable following on social media, paving the way for her television career.
GOING VIRAL FOR CRYING IN M.I.C, AND X FACTOR CELEBRITY APPEARANCE
For many fans of reality TV, Zara is best remembered for her tearful bench scene after being accused of cheating on her boyfriend, Sam Thompson, with music executive Brahim Fouradi during her appearance on X Factor: Celebrity. This happened while she was part of the Love Island pop group No Love Lost. The emotional moment captured in the show went viral, further raising Zara’s profile. It’s worth noting that she and Sam Thompson have since reconciled and continue to date. Zara’s rise to fame began with her appearance on Love Island in 2018 and continued with her participation in The X Factor: Celebrity the following year, where she performed for Simon Cowell.
THE FIRST BBC DOCUMENTARY ON REVENGE PORN
In her first BBC documentary released in 2021, Zara McDermott opened up about her experiences with revenge porn. At the age of 14, she endured severe emotional distress when a boy from her school shared intimate photos of her without her consent, leading her to contemplate suicide. The documentary focuses on the issue of revenge porn, also known as image-based sexual abuse, which involves the unauthorized sharing of someone’s private sexual materials. Zara speaks candidly about feeling isolated, punished, and shamed by her teachers and peers while the boy responsible faced no consequences. Since then, Zara has worked alongside Refuge to raise awareness and promote changes in the laws surrounding revenge porn. She has also fronted other BBC documentaries, including ones on rape culture and the rise of eating disorders among teenagers.
RUBBING SHOULDERS WITH ROYALTY – AND A SPOT ON STRICTLY
Following the release of her documentary, Zara’s career took a new trajectory, providing her with opportunities to collaborate with royal figures. She made a surprise appearance at The Princess of Wales’ Shaping Us event in January, where she interacted with members of the royal family. Zara’s involvement with the event aligns with her role as one of the champions of Kate’s Shaping Us campaign, which focuses on promoting early years development. Additionally, she has met Queen Consort Camilla at Buckingham Palace to raise awareness of violence against women. Her dedication to advocating for important causes led her to be invited to Buckingham Palace again in November, this time for a reception addressing gender-based violence. In February 2022, Zara visited a sexual assault referral center with Camilla. To top it off, Zara will be the first Love Island star ever to participate in Strictly Come Dancing. The BBC believes her commitment to her documentary work makes her an ideal candidate for the show. A Strictly insider stated that Zara’s beauty, glamour, and diligent approach will make her a perfect fit for the competition.
In summary, Zara McDermott has undergone a remarkable transformation, using her platform and personal experiences to shed light on pressing social issues. From her appearance on Love Island to her advocacy against revenge porn and work alongside prominent figures, she has emerged as a force for positive change. Her journey exemplifies the power of perseverance and growth, and her upcoming participation in Strictly Come Dancing only solidifies her rising star status.
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