Zara McDermott & Laura Whitmore wow on red carpet as they’re seen for first time since Strictly bullying probe
EX-STRICTLY stars Zara McDermott and Laura Whitmore were seen for the first time since the BBC bullying probe at last night’s Glamour Women of the Year Awards.
TV presenter Laura wore a strapless, black Vivienne Westwood dress to the ceremony — and spoke out about the result of the investigation into dance pro Giovanni Pernice, whom she partnered on the 2016 series.
The BBC apologised to Sherlock star Amanda Abbington, 50, on Monday following complaints she made against her dance partner Giovanni, her partner during last year’s series.
It upheld some of the complaints made against him but cleared him of physical aggression towards the actress.
“There’s so much more to this but, in black and white, there were complaints upheld and an apology made.
“And the perpetrator no longer works for the channel.”
Former Love Islander Zara wore a slender pink gown to the bash, after finding herself at the centre of the second scandal to hit Strictly.
It was revealed in July she was kicked by her professional partner Graziano Di Prima, 30, during training.
He was sacked by the BBC after documentary maker Zara complained and spoke to the investigation team looking into Amanda’s claims about Giovanni, 34.
When asked about Strictly, Zara, 30, said last night: “I won’t be commenting.”
Other stars at the ceremony at Raffles OWO Hotel in London, included actress Michelle Keegan and Bridgerton’s Simone Ashley, who won the Gamechanging Actor award.
They joined ex-Baywatch star Pamela Anderson, 57, who was honoured with The Impact Award, saying: “I feel more comfortable in my skin now than I probably have in the last 30 years.”
TV host Myleene Klass wore a glittering blue gown while Little Mix’s Perrie Edwards caught the eye in a brown dress split to the hip.
Inside the bash, sponsored by Samsung Galaxy Ring, awards host Katherine Ryan looked stunned as she won the Feminist Hero award for pushing for change.
That included calling out comedian Russell Brand as a “sexual predator” — which he denies.
Welcoming her to the stage, Glamour’s editor in chief Deborah Joseph praised the comedian, saying: “We love her for being as vocal offstage as on.”
Katherine had earlier joked about the speeches she would be making and told The Sun: “I hope I don’t get cancelled.”
Samsung’s Rising Star award went to British girl band Say Now, made up of London-born singers Ysabelle Salvanera, Amelia Onuorah, Madeleine Haynes.
HOME JOY FOR SCOTT
EX-Lioness Alex Scott arrived at the awards ceremony with another life goal ticked off.
The Football Focus host, 39, has just got the keys to a house with her girlfriend, singer Jess Glynne, whom she started dating last year.
A friend said: “Alex and Jess couldn’t be happier — and this is an exciting new chapter for both of them.”
Alongside a social media pic of Jess’s finger pointing to the house key, Alex wrote: “I’ve been having a ball.”
PARTY WITH EXTRA FIZZ
GUESTS got suitably sozzled at the awards bash, downing Laurent-Perrier champagne, Whispering Angel rosé and Seedlip gin cocktails.
They tucked into Cornish seabass and South Downs lamb — although it might not have suited vegan Pamela Anderson, right.
Then at the after-party, Volcan margaritas and Belvedere martinis were handed to celebs as they hit the dance floor.