Zara McDermott slams 'perception' of reality TV stars
Zara McDermott feels that she has to fight unfair "perceptions" about her intelligence after moving into documentary presenting following her apperance on Love Island in 2018.
Zara McDermott feels that reality TV stars aren't taken seriously enough.
The 29-year-old star has forged a career as a documentary presenter since taking part on Love Island back in 2018 and thinks that there is an unfair "perception" of those who have appeared in the genre.
Zara told Cosmopolitan: "People have a perception that, 'Oh well, if she did that, then she can't be intelligent, or she must be incapable of having a serious conversation.'
"Just because someone might have taken a fun opportunity at the age of 21, it doesn't mean they can't campaign against violence against women when they get a little bit older, or even straight after."
Zara has fronted documentaries on hard-hitting topics such as revenge porn and eating disorders for the BBC and explained that she is heavily involved in all aspects of bringing the shows to screen.
The 2023 Strictly Come Dancing contestant said: "I don't just turn up on the day and present. I'm as much in the pre-production and development as I am on the ground presenting."
She added: "I'm here from the seedling of the idea. Sometimes I even come up with the seedling of the idea; probably 80 per cent of the time."
Zara started dating former One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson last year and describes him as the "most amazing person" she has ever met.
The TV star, who previously dated Made In Chelsea's Sam Thompson from 2019 to 2024, said: "Honestly, it's just been amazing. I genuinely can't even say one thing.
"He's like my Prince Charming. He's like my fairy tale."
McDermott continued: "He is genuinely the most amazing person I've ever met in my life.
"He's an inspiration to me in so many ways. He is the most empathetic, considerate, kind person. He will always think about every single person before himself, and I think that is such a rare quality to find in someone.
"If everyone was a bit more like Louis, the world would be a better place. That's what I genuinely think."
Despite the pair's celebrity status, Zara has vowed to keep certain elements of their romance under wraps – including how they first met.
She said: "That time, for us, is just so sacred.
"No one knows anything about our relationship. No one knows how we met. No one's even seen us ever have a conversation."
