Zara McDermott's 'real feelings' on pal Pete Wicks' Strictly stint 'revealed' after her ordeal

ok.co.uk:

Zara McDermott has reportedly opened up about her pal Pete Wicks joining the Strictly Come Dancing line-up. Despite recent allegations following her stint with Graziano Di Prima on the BBC hit show in 2023 – with Graziano now axed amid claims about his conduct – the Love Island alum is reportedly all smiles for her friend.

Former Love Island star Zara is said to be over the moon for Pete, who's been her close pal since 2019 and is often playfully dubbed as the third wheel in her romance with Sam Thompson.

Pete is rumoured to be stepping onto the dance floor for the new series. "Zara is so happy for Pete landing the Strictly gig," an insider told MailOnline. "Her experience on the show was so individual she hopes no one will go through the same again.

She knows that Pete will have an amazing time and could even impress the judges, he's incredibly hardworking and a good person, and will thrive in the environment, which can be intense, but he performs best when he's challenged and under pressure." The source added: "Zara doesn't want anything that happened to her to taint his Strictly journey and backs Pete even if it is a bit close to home," reports the Mirror.