Former Love IslanderZara McDermott has said she is quitting reality TV forever after having therapy to cope with vile death threats.
The reality star has revealed that she will not return to the hit show Made In Chelsea alongside boyfriend Sam Thompson after being trolled for years and being left needing therapy.
Zara discussed how she has moved on from reality TV with The Sun.
She said: “I’ve definitely quit doing reality TV. I stopped doing reality around a year ago.
“I have closed that chapter of my life. I did it for three years and now it’s time for the next chapter of my life. I won’t be going back to Made In Chelsea.”
(Image: BBC)
The 24-year-old first came into the spotlight on ITV2’s Love Island in 2018.
Zara explained how both her and her family faced death threats after Sam dumped her on MIC for cheating on him.
She added: “I have loved doing reality TV and don’t regret any of it. I just hated all the trolling. It is also hard because you have to relive things so many times.
“You go through it in real life, and then you have to keep reliving it on camera.
“Then you have to relive it all over again when it’s on TV and everyone has an opinion. Facing the public backlash is awful.
“I have had death threats. People saying they know where my family lives and threatening them too.
“It’s disgusting and scary. It is weird how hardened you have to become to it.
(Image: BBC)
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“I have had therapy but at the end of the day, they can only help so much.
“It is you that has to live with it day in and day out.”
Zara is now back with Sam and has recently released a two-part documentary on BBC3 called Revenge Porn and Undercovering Rape Culture.
She said: “Doing the documentaries has been like a giant therapy session for me.
“Especially the revenge porn film. It is very cathartic.
“I finally feel free from it all. You get a little bit of trolling but on the whole the response to the documentaries have been incredible.
“I’ve had messages from parents saying they’ve discussed it with their kids.
“I’ve had messages from teachers saying they have shown the documentaries to their pupils. It is amazing to know that I have made a difference.”
(Image: zara_mcdermott/Instagram)
Zara revealed her New Year’s Resolutions included learning to become a producer.
She added: “My main goal for next year is to study to become a producer.
“I want to start producing the documentaries and programmes I’m involved with.
“I want to focus on the important issues that are affecting young people. You are put into a certain box when you are on reality TV. People think you are stupid.
“I will never regret doing reality TV because I have loved it but that is in the past for me now.”
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
