Strictly Come Dancing 'to sign up another Love Island star' after Zara McDermott stint

Strictly Come Dancing could be set to welcome another Love Island star following the recent controversy involving former islander Zara McDermott.

Data from Ladbrokes suggests that Tommy Fury's chances of securing a deal with the BBC are looking promising. The bookmakers have placed the boxer at 4/1 odds to appear on the next series.

Further reports suggest that show bosses are already interested in signing him up. Alex Apati, a representative from Ladbrokes, stated: "Tommy's been linked with a Strictly stint for a few years now, and the latest odds suggest he may finally take to the dance-floor later this year."

The potential deal with another reality TV star from ITV comes amidst the Strictly scandal surrounding Zara - who also appeared on the same dating show.

Zara was thrust into the spotlight last week following claims that her dance partner Graziano Di Prima had "kicked her once" during training. Initially, allegations about his behaviour were reported to the BBC by witnesses, not the TV star herself, reports the Mirror.

In a lengthy Instagram statement shared on her story, the Love Islander explained that she had been paralysed by fear and hesitant to speak out. Breaking her silence on the issue, she wrote: "I have wrestled with the fear of opening up."

Her additional comments were: "I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming. 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."

In response, her spokesperson barked back: "Zara has already confirmed in a statement released on her social media earlier this week that the reported conduct was not a singular incident."

Earlier this month, there was confirmation of a dramatic plot twist that prompted Graziano to be unexpectedly dropped from the 2024 line-up following allegations that he had "kicked" Zara during their dance training sessions. Just last week, Graziano owned up to having unintentionally kicked Zara during dancing but vehemently denied another accusation suggesting he spat at her - a claim that was also raised to the BBC's attention.

Strictly is due to return to BBC One at the end of this year.