Strictly star Zara McDermott breaks down in tears on live show as she opens up on ‘difficult week’ after dance-off drama

STRICTLY Come Dancing's Zara McDermott broke down in tears tonight as she opened up about the "difficult week" she's had after being in the dance-off last week.

The former Love Island star and her partner found themselves in the bottom two last week.

However, the former Love Island contestant made sure she gave it her all on the stage tonight.

Zara and her partner Graziano Di Prima performed the Viennese waltz.

In contrast to last week's criticism, the judges all offered them positive feedback after their performance.

Craig Revel Horwood said: "I thought it was a bit bush kangaroo, by that I mean skippy, up and down. But I know that can be sorted out."

Shirley Ballas then told the pair it was their "best dance so far" on the show.

"Coming from the bottom two, you deserve an extra tick for that. Well done," Shirley praised.

Zara was left holding back tears after hearing the judges comments, revealing that it had been a "difficult week" for her.

"Yes, I think I could have let it get me down this week, or I could have used it as a way to find a bit more fire and I have worked so hard this week," The star said.

Fighting back the tears, Zara praised Graziano and said he has been her "absolute rock".

She went on to say that the professional dancer kept her "positive" during what could have been a "emotional week."

Zara continued: "I feel really relieved to have got the dance done because it is my favourite in the world ever."

When it came to scoring, the judges gave them an impressive 28 points.

Zara yelled with excitement, exclaiming, "Yes!"

Claudia said: "You must be over the moon."

"I got my first seven from Craig," Zara said.

Sam Thompson, Zara's four-year boyfriend, has revealed the "real reason" he has been banned from seeing her live appearances in the BBC studio.

Zara told Sam to watch the BBC show from home instead of the studio - but it's for a good reason.

Sam explained why on Hits Radio, saying: “If you’re wondering why you haven’t seen me in the Strictly audience I’ve been told to stay at home."

He continued: "Zara and I have agreed that I can do more damage from the sofa – by which I mean garner more votes!"

As Strictly Come Dancing audience members can't bring their phones into the studio, the star explained that by staying at home he can encourage more fans to vote for Zara.

He added: “I can go on Instagram and be like ‘Vote for Zara!’ because the actual studio audience aren’t allowed to bring their phones into the studio.

“You can’t do anything in the studio with your phone, so we thought we’d go for a multi-pronged attack with me on the sofa at home."

The 31-year-old also cheekily added that it's "not the worst thing in the world" because Strictly Come Dancing is "quite a long show" - three hours.

"I’m going to be honest it’s not the worst thing in the world because it’s quite a long show – it’s a good three hours!," Sam shared.