Lorraine Kelly issues statement after Zara McDermott responds to Strictly claims

The ex-Love Island celebrity took to her Instagram Stories on Tuesday morning, confessing that her training time with Graziano Di Prima was far from the idyllic experience she had hoped for.

Respected daytime TV presenter Lorraine Kelly responded promptly to Zara's claims during her popular breakfast show on Tuesday.

After digesting Zara's statement, Lorraine didn't hold back on giving her opinions saying: "So that is what Zara is saying and I do think...sort of looking ahead, it's all about getting the right person with the right person."

Seemingly lending her support, Lorraine added that it is crucial to ensure "vulnerable" individuals are well looked after.

Zara provided a detailed statement addressing the controversy, noting: "I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports. Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV and one that I dreamt of being on since I was a little girl.", reports the Mirror.

Fulfilling a childhood fantasy was how she described participating in the show, she continued: "When I was invited to be a contestant on the show it really was a childhood dream come true. I fully understood the level of commitment and hard work that Strictly was going to be and I dedicated everything to it.

"I am a resilient person and I was fully prepared to put in whatever it took. And so much of my Strictly experience was everything I could have dreamt of. The entire production team and everyone behind the scenes as well as my fellow contestants were so amazing to work with. However, my experience inside the training room was very different.

"Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch."

"I have wrestled with the fear of opening up- I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming."

The former Love Island star added "But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I've gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show. The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak up, especially in a world where social media opinions and voices are so loud. This is something I've seen through working with countless women on my documentaries.

"I would like to thank the BBC and BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me - it really truly means a lot. Love, always. Zara."

Meanwhile, Lorraine recently expressed her concern over Graziano Di Prima's departure from Strictly, labelling the situation as "disturbing".

Discussing the controversy with entertainment reporter Lucy on Tuesday, Lorraine remarked: "Now there is more trouble for Strictly this morning following the news Graziano Di Prima has been axed from the show following what has been said as gross misconduct claims."

"Lucy is here and this is very disturbing actually," the ITV host stated before Lucy responded: "He's been axed by the BBC over claims of gross misconduct. They apparently axed him in 48 hours after they saw a really damning video... we haven't seen the video but it involves his partner Zara McDermott."

Lorraine airs weekdays at 9am on ITV.