OUT OF STEP Zara McDermott reveals why she’s convinced being on Love Island meant Strictly fans wouldn’t vote for her after exi

ZARA McDermott has blamed her Love Island past for crashing out of Strictly.

The reality star-turned-documentary-maker, 26, has finished in the ­bottom two three times on the BBC dance show.

And last night she became the fifth celebrity to leave when she lost in the dance-off against Waterloo Road actor Adam Thomas.

In part, she blamed a ­medical emergency with her boyfriend Sam Thompson for missing vital rehearsal time for the Halloween special.

But a source added: “Ultimately, she’s still remembered as a reality star and she feels that viewers just couldn’t get past her being an ex-Love Island contestant.”

Zara’s reality career began on the dating show in 2018, lasting ten days in the villa.

But she has tried to recast herself as a documentary maker, looking at topics such as revenge porn and rape.

The BBC sees her as a ­rising star — fuelling grumbles about favouritism from rivals after the judges saved her in the dance-off last week.

But viewers have been unimpressed, labelling her performances “wooden”.

Last night, her run ended with her Charleston with pro Graziano Di Prima to Al Donahue’s Jeepers Creepers.

Our source said: “Zara has tried hard to shake off that label she was given after she starred on Love Island, making waves with her BBC documentary.

“She’s been very vocal about her past issues as a youngster in documentaries, but she also comes from a show which is about hot boys and girls hooking up.

“So while Zara was being pushed as the one to watch, with BBC bosses giving her this opportunity, it doesn’t seem that she’s been well received by the show’s fans.

“Zara is absolutely devastated to be out.

"She gave her heart and soul to Strictly and it pushed her massively out of her comfort zone.”

Following her exit, Zara said on the show: “I’ve had the time of my life. Just to be here is incredible.

"Thank you to the judges and my amazing partner, obviously.

“My fellow contestants are just incredible.

"It’s been the most amazing experience. I can’t believe it’s over but I am going to be here in spirit every week supporting them.”

Graziano, 29, gushed: “Zara is literally what Strictly is all about.

"A real novice, coming in, putting all the hard job.”