Zara McDermott has shared an "emotional" update on her new documentary project Stalked.
The two-part project was confirmed last year, and sees the Love Island and Strictly Come Dancing star explore the issue of stalking as she meets people impacted by stalkers, as well as the police, looking at why convictions are so low.
Taking to Instagram, Zara revealed that she is in the final week of filming, sharing it has been "one of the most eye opening, emotional films" she has made.
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"I’ve learnt so much about the strength of victims / survivors through this process… some of these women are the strongest I’ve ever met," she wrote.
"Stalking is one of the most isolating crimes out there. The pure determination of the women I’ve spoken to, to continually put one foot in front of the other every single day, is nothing short of inspirational.
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"I’ve been spending time with the police too, to get a greater understanding of how they deal with this crime; a crime that can be difficult to convict."
Zara went on to reveal she had spoken to one woman yesterday and "felt her happiness" when she told her about the documentary.
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"This woman had been going through stalking after a decade of an abusive relationship, and she never fully understood the impact of stalking before it happened to her," she explained. "To hear the determination in her voice to share her story hit me deeply."
The star noted that "talking and sharing" can be "vindicating and freeing", adding that she is "so grateful" to do her work and "be able to hopefully make a difference in this world and make some positive change alongside the incredible people" she has worked with.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart this documentary series has been 18 months in the making, from development to where we are now," Zara concluded. "It’s been a long process of finding a careful balance because of the sensitivity of this programme, but I hope it opens up conversations at home, in schools and in society."
Zara has notably made a number of documentaries in recent years, including Revenge Porn, Uncovering Rape Culture and Disordered Eating, and is also prepping a new series on Thailand.
We would encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Call 999 if you or anyone you know is in immediate danger, or report any concerning situations using UK government resources or the Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service. The National Stalking Helpline is open 9.30am-4pm on weekdays (and until 8pm on Wednesdays) on 0808 802 0300.
Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
