Zara McDermott is ‘slowly getting closer’ as she recovers from injuries sustained during her Strictly Come Dancing career.
The 27-year-old documentary maker became the first former Love Islander to appear on the BBC show last year, but broke her shin during rehearsals.
And on Saturday, she shared a selfie from the gym, telling her followers how her recovery was going.
On Instagram she wrote: ‘Slowly regaining my strength!’
The TV star struck a confident pose for the mirror selfie, looking stunning in her tiny pink workout outfit of a bra and shorts.
Zara McDermott is ‘slowly getting closer’ as she recovers from injuries sustained during her Strictly Come Dancing career.
The 27-year-old documentary maker became the first former Love Islander to appear on the BBC Latin and ballroom show last year, but broke her shin during rehearsals
She showed off her toned legs and pouted in the inspiring photo, looking very cheerful.
Zara suffered the nasty injury while preparing for a performance with her professional partner Graziano Di Prima. Despite the severe pain, she persevered and took part in the dance-off.
According to sources, Zara did not know she had suffered the injury until she sought medical attention after being dropped from the show. It was only recently revealed to show bosses when she was interviewed about Graziano’s behaviour.
Graziano was sacked by Strictly directors earlier this month after footage emerged of him physically and verbally abusing Zara during training.
According to The sunZara used painkillers to get through her ten-hour workouts with Graziano. The pair agreed to go ahead and compete in the dance-off before she was voted off the show during Halloween week.
Zara was reportedly taken to hospital, where an X-ray revealed she had severe ligament damage and a stress fracture to her left tibia.
Zara is believed to have told BBC bosses about the ‘rigorous’ training sessions she had to endure while on the show with Graziano
Zara reportedly suffered a broken leg while training for the BBC show with her professional partner Graziano Di Prima (pictured)
A source said: ‘She started to get a really bad, nagging pain in her left leg during training. The pain got worse and over the last few weeks she was in terrible pain, taking painkillers before, during and after sessions.
‘She made it clear to Graziano that she was uncomfortable, but he was adamant that they had to intervene.
“Of course they both wanted to get the highest score possible, but unfortunately she pushed through despite the pain. She was not seen by medics on site and production was not aware of the severity of her injury.”
Zara is believed to have told BBC bosses about the “rigorous” training sessions she had to endure while on the show with Graziano.
According to insiders in the show, the bosses had no choice but to cancel his contract because video footage showed Graziano abusing Zara.
Graziano wrote on Instagram about his departure: “I deeply regret the events that have led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win may have affected my training regime. With due respect to the BBC HR process, I understand that it is in the best interests of the show for me to step back.”
He continued: ‘While there are aspects of this story that involve external influences that I cannot discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future.’
He concluded the message with: ‘I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.’