'Zara's dream is to win Strict

Zara McDermott is so determined to bag the Glitterball Trophy, she and boyfriend Sam Thompson are hardly seeing each other as she throws herself into training

- Georgia Trevitt

Zara McDermott is doing everything she can to lift the Strictly Glitterball Trophy – even if it means spending time apart from boyfriend Sam Thompson.

A source close to the couple has told new they haven’t got much spare time to enjoy together as Zara throws herself into the TV show’s gruelling training schedule.

“Zara is putting all her energy into this show. She’s so ambitious and she’s determined to win,” our source said. “She’s going overtime with rehearsals, so she won’t be at home as much. A lot of their time is being taken up with their careers – it’s healthy and it works for them.

“Sam is so supportive of Zara, as she is him. He adores her and will do anything for her. He knows that Strictly is her dream and it’s one of the biggest shows on TV.”

The source added, “They’ve both got very successful careers. They’re not in each other’s pockets – and that’s what makes it work. They’re each other’s biggest supporters.”

Zara has admitted that pursuing their own solo projects has only strengthened their relationship.