Zara McDermott has teased that her upcoming BBC Three documentary is set to air soon, exploring the impact of stalking.
The former Love Island star, 28, announced the two-part series, Zara McDermott: Stalked, last year and previously said it had been 18-months in the making.
But on Tuesday, she took to her Instagram Stories to share a black-and-white snap showing her wearing a protective vest while chatting to a female police officer, under the words: ‘COMING SOON’.
The sobering documentary will see Zara join and support victims who have been subjected to domestic abuse and stalking and expose how stalking brutally impacts the everyday lives of people across the UK.
She will also follow the journey of those who decided to report the instances to the police and how the claims make their way through the judicial system.
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Zara McDermott has teased that her upcoming BBC Three documentary is set to air soon, exploring the impact of stalking
On Tuesday, she took to her Instagram Stories to share a black-and-white snap showing her wearing a protective vest while chatting to a female police officer, under the words: ‘COMING SOON’
The sobering documentary will see Zara join and support victims who have been subjected to domestic abuse and stalking and expose how stalking brutally impacts the everyday lives of people across the UK
The presenter previously announced the series would air in April, but after May came around, there was no further update, until Tuesday’s post.
Zara has brought a range of thought-provoking and critically acclaimed documentaries to the BBC over the last few years.
The star has spoken about several important topics including revenge porn, sexism, and ‘rape culture’ in UK schools as well as the rise of young people experiencing eating disorders.
But, after wrapping up filming for the stalking documentary in March, Zara admitted it had been one of her ‘most emotional’ yet, as she praised the brave women who appeared in the programme and voiced her hope that it would open up conversations.
Sharing Instagram snaps of herself filming outside a police station, she wrote: ‘It’s our final week of filming for my documentary about stalking, and honestly it’s been one of the most eye opening, emotional films I’ve ever made.
‘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.
‘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.’
She went on: ‘I am so grateful to do the job that I do; to be able to hopefully make a difference in this world and make some positive change alongside the incredible people I am working with. Thank you from the bottom of my heart❤️
Zara has brought a range of thought-provoking and critically acclaimed documentaries to the BBC over the last few years
But, after wrapping up filming for the stalking documentary in March, Zara admitted it had been one of her ‘most emotional’ yet, as she praised the brave women who appeared in the programme and voiced her hope that it would open up conversations
‘This documentary series has been 18 months in the making, from development to where we are now. 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. ❤️’
In October, Zara announced the new project, as she reached out to her followers to get in touch to share their own experiences of being stalked.
Sharing a video to Instagram, she wrote: ‘I really want to understand the day to day fear and anxiety that people are feeling. I also want to explore who we can better support victims in our society.’
She added: ‘Your voice is important, and your story can help shed light on this incredibly serious and sensitive issue.
‘I have created a ‘support’ highlight on my page where you can access important websites and professional guidance from a stalking expert if this is something you are experiencing. You are not alone and help is out there.’
Speaking about signing up to front the series, Zara said: ‘I, like many others, know people who have been affected by stalking.
‘I really want to witness the real impact of stalking on people’s lives as they deal with the stress, fear and process of reporting these crimes to the police. I want to look at what can be done to support them and bring their stalkers to justice.’
Nasfim Haque, the Head of Content at BBC Three, added: ‘In this two-part series, Zara McDermott witnesses firsthand the profound impact stalking has on its victims as they live through it.
In October, Zara announced the new project, as she reached out to her followers to get in touch to share their own experiences of being stalked
‘Due to the highly sensitive nature of these cases, Zara and the small production team are approaching the upcoming filming process with extreme care and discretion.
‘Over an extended filming period, they are working closely with charities and advocates to illuminate how this increasingly prevalent behaviour is affecting young people today.’
It comes after One Direction fans speculated that Zara met boyfriend Louis Tomlinson through working on a documentary with his sisters.
In March, fans took to Reddit to theorise that Louis’ twin sisters Daisy and Phoebe had been interested in trying to get their own docuseries, and could’ve introduced their famous brother to Zara.
One fan penned: ‘I also heard rumors that she’s part of the rumored series the twins are trying to get going, so fingers crossed it’s more about that.’
‘I think there is a documentary about the Tomlinson’s being produced since the sisters are interested in being England’s version of the Kardashians. Zara has worked on documentaries, maybe she is involved with that’, commented a third user.
Another echoed: ‘I think it’s more of a business thing than anything else (for the twins, they’re well into reality tv and Zara was on love island) so if it is a stunt it’d be quite ridiculous, especially since Louis openly criticises love island.’
With a third adding: ‘His sisters have been following her for quite some time. If they are gonna stunt, we will know, because you know, the purpose of a stunt is to be visible and in your face.
‘It is more likely that she is helping the twins with their Kardashians style show which has been in the talks for a while now.’
It comes after One Direction fans speculated that (Phoebe Tomlinson, Daisy Tomlinson and Lottie Tomlinson pictured together last year)
In March, fans took to Reddit to theorise that Louis’ twin sisters Daisy and Phoebe had been interested in trying to get their own docuseries, and could’ve introduced their famous brother to Zara
Louis’ sister Lottie, 26, recently revealed the family welcomed Zara into the fold while speaking about the relationship for the first time.
She told OK! Magazine: ‘Yeah, she is amazing and they are really happy. I’m really happy for him.’
Lottie, who shares son Lucky, two, and daughter Flossie, five months, with her fiancé Lewis Burton, also hinted Zara might soon by on babysitting duty.
Asked if the couple would be helping out she joked: ‘Hopefully, yeah.’
