CRISIS-hit Strictly was given a much-needed boost last night — when former contestant Zara McDermott made a dramatic return as a ballroom guest.
Her surprise appearance in the audience was a vote of confidence for the BBC as it is set to publish the findings of its probe into bullying allegations.
Zara, 27, came back just weeks after former dance partner Graziano Di Prima was axed for kicking her in rehearsals.
The ex-Love Islander joined boyfriend Sam Thompson, 32, as they cheered on pal Pete Wicks for his first live performance.
A source said: “Zara was there to support her mate — but it does look good for the BBC too.
“It’s a massive vote of confidence for them and bosses must be ecstatic.
"Zara is trying to put everything behind her and just wants to move on.
“This shows that she still has a lot of love for Strictly — and wants the world to see that.
“Her and Sam seem to be better than ever too.”
Zara and I’m A Celebrity Winner Sam were hit by split rumours earlier this year.
But they presented a united front last night for reality star Pete as he took to the dance floor with his professional partner Jowita Przystal, 30.
Zara and Sam both wore matching T-shirts with the novice contestant’s face on them.
We revealed in July that Zara’s former dance partner Graziano had been sacked after Strictly bosses were shown shocking footage.
The Italian, 30, was accused of hitting, spitting and kicking Zara during rehearsals for last year’s series.
He has since admitted to kicking her by mistake but branded other claims “vile and false”.
He said in a statement: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly.”
The claims against Graziano were the biggest scandal to rock Strictly in its 20-year history.
It follows bullying claims by actress Amanda Abbington and other celebrities against another Italian dancer, former pro Giovanni Pernice.
Sherlock star Amanda, 50, lodged a complaint against Giovanni after she quit last year’s show early, accusing him of being “abusive, cruel and mean”.
The dancer, 34, who left Strictly after nine years in May, has denied any wrongdoing.
It is believed six people were spoken to during a BBC investigation into the allegations, with the findings yet to be released.
Zara’s shock appearance last night comes just a week after the ratings for the Saturday night launch show hit an historic low in the wake of the scandals.
The BBC One juggernaut only had a peak audience of 5.7million — a million down on the same show last year and 3.3million lower than the nine million peak who watched in 2020.
A TV insider said of the Giovanni probe: “The BBC is set to publish its investigation any day now so tensions are running high behind the scenes.
“Zara has always considered herself still part of the Strictly family and the BBC are overjoyed she has chosen to come back as a guest.”
It is understood that each contestant is offered a pair of tickets every week to invite family and friends to the live performances.
The BBC are also believed to have a number of tickets for previous contestants and friends of the show so they can also watch.
Last year Pete joined Sam in the audience to support Zara on the show.
The two pals, who host a podcast together, were seen wearing matching floral shirts adorned with a photo of her face.
Despite her ordeal on the show, Pete has revealed that Zara encouraged him to take part.
He said: “Zara was the one that kind of pushed me to do this because she loves the show.
Strictly won the Talent Show category in the National Television Awards for the ninth year in a row last week — despite the ongoing turmoil.
A BBC spokeswoman said: “We were delighted to welcome Zara McDermott back to watch the first Strictly live show to support her friend Pete Wicks during his first live performance.”
