Zara McDermott left in tears as she confronts harrowing stalking cases
Zara McDermott became visibly emotional while exploring the devastating impact of stalking in her new BBC Three documentary series, To Catch A Stalker.
At one point in the programme, the former Love Island star can be seen fighting back tears as she hears the traumatic story of a woman whose ex-partner subjected her to relentless stalking and harassment. Over the course of To Catch A Stalker, Zara meets up with victims of stalking and domestic abuse in an effort to shed light on how crimes like this affect the lives of people across the UK.
Zara also does a deep dive into people who have decided to report their experiences to the police, and tracks how their cases move through the legal system.
In the second episode of the show, which will air on Tuesday evening at 9pm on BBC Three, Zara sits down for a chat with an anonymous woman who opens up about how she started to see the sinister side of her ex after breaking up with him.
She looked back wistfully on the early days of their romance, saying he was "very charming, caring, I didn't even imagine there was another side to him". But once they got to know each other better, things took a turn for the worse.
The stalking victim told Zara he forced her to video call him "24 hours a day, every day, morning until night". After the relationship ended, the stalking escalated further.
The woman shared: "The continuous harassment, being outside of my house every other day, he would cry his eyes out and make me feel bad."
Zara asked: "Was he calling you and texting you?" The woman then revealed the extreme lengths her ex went to in a bid to get ahold of her, saying: "He would call me more than 500 times a day and I would literally chuck my phone in some corner of my house."
She became emotional as she described how he "made me hate myself for being in that situation" and drew a line across her neck to demonstrate the way he would threaten her with violence from outside her window. She added: "He didn't leave outside of my house for another five, six hours. I was terrified."
"That breaks my heart, hearing that," Zara responded. The woman then explained that she had provided video evidence of her ex's behaviour as well as calls and text messages she received from him to the police and would be giving a witness statement in court.
Zara gently asked, "How are you feeling through this?" She held the woman's hand as she sadly replied, "Like I'm rubbish." Zara could be seen choking back tears as she told her: "You did not deserve any of that, you know that?"
Over the past few years, Zara has developed a reputation for tackling difficult topics in BBC documentaries. She has previously addressed issues such as revenge porn, sexism, rape culture in UK schools, and eating disorders among young people.
After she finished filming To Catch A Stalker in March, Zara described it as one of her "most emotional" projects yet. She told fans: "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."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
14 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Love Island bombshell Billykiss Azeez's hidden ex now has a famous girlfriend
Love Island bombshell Billykiss Azeez isn't just turning heads in the villa - in fact she's turned ex Islander's heads before as she used to date a former star of the reality show Last night, viewers were introduced to the latest Love Island bombshell Billykiss Azeez as she made her grand entrance by taking two of the villa's OG boys on a date. But what fans might not know is the new arrival, who is from Ireland, has a secret connection to a former Islander… and it could stir up some serious drama. Billykiss used to date 2022 Love Island star Dami Hope - who's still in a relationship with his girlfriend Indiyah Polack. The 28-year-old content creator turned heads on Tuesday night when she entered the villa and chose fellow Irish Islander Conor Phillips and Dejon Noel-Williams for her first dates. But one person who wasn't expecting her appearance was Dami – who reportedly had no idea his ex would be joining the show, despite the two still co-owning a party business together. It could also make for an awkward moment for Dami's current girlfriend Indiyah, who now appears on the Love Island: Aftersun panel alongside host Maya Jama, Sam Thompson and Amy Hart. A source claimed: 'Bilikis and Dami have known each other for years after both growing up in Dublin. They dated a long time ago but still run a party business together so Dami not given a heads up on her villa entrance may not have gone down well. Their former fling is guaranteed to be discussed on Aftersun given Dami's girlfriend Indiyah is a regular panellist.' Dami and Indiyah have been together since meeting on the show in 2022 – the same year Ekin-Su and Davide were crowned winners. They're now the only couple from that season still going strong, following the recent split between Tasha and Andrew. Gemma and Luca also fizzled out just three months after leaving the villa while winners Ekin-Su and Davide have gone on to date other people. Since the show, Indiyah has become a standout from her series, landing gigs like presenting the MOBO Awards and regularly joining Maya on the Aftersun sofa. Meanwhile, Billykiss' arrival has already shaken things up especially for Megan Moore, who's been coupled up with Dejon since the series launch three weeks ago. After his date with the bombshell, Dejon admitted: 'She's a pretty girl, her body is ridiculous, we had good chat and she's confident… she's in unbelievable shape.' Irish rugby player Conor also headed out on a date with Billykiss – his first since Megan Forte Clarke left the villa last week. In an exclusive interview, Megan said she wasn't offended Conor didn't follow her and is prepared to wait for him but will be keeping a close eye on what he gets up to next.
BBC News
16 minutes ago
- BBC News
Diddy jury return for third day of deliberations after partial verdict reached
Update: Date: 14:24 BST Title: Chaos outside court Content: Sakshi VenkatramanReporting from court The atmosphere around the courthouse has been chaotic since yesterday, with journalists, content creators and Diddy fans trying to get inside to hear a verdict. Combs' supporters appear to be growing in number by the day. Yesterday, a group of fans outside the courtroom were hawking baby oil and t-shirts that said "A freak-o is not a rico". And one woman was running around outside the courtroom in her underwear. The vibe gets especially frenetic when someone from the Combs family enters the building. This week, all six of his adult children have been in attendance. His mother has also regularly attended. Update: Date: 14:17 BST Title: Diddy is in the courtroom Content: Sean "Diddy" Combs has arrived in the courtroom and is talking with his legal team. Update: Date: 14:12 BST Title: Diddy's mother, lawyer and his publicist arrive at court Content: Janice Combs, mother of Sean "Diddy" Combs, walks outside the courthouse Holly Baird, publicist of Sean "Diddy" Combs Marc Agnifilo, attorney for Sean "Diddy" Combs, walks outside the courthouse Update: Date: 14:04 BST Title: Diddy faces five counts Content: The jury has reached a verdict on four of the five counts that Sean "Diddy" Combs faces (we've put those ones in bold in the list below). But they are split on the most serious of the charges, racketeering conspiracy. While the jury says they have reached a verdict in those four charges, we do not yet know what that verdict is. Update: Date: 13:58 BST Title: Listen to the BBC's Diddy on Trial podcast Content: Anoushka Mutanda-DoughertyPodcast host, Diddy on Trial The BBC's Diddy on Trial podcast has followed every twist and turn in Diddy's case since November 2024. From bombshell allegations of so-called "freak-offs", to testimony from Grammy-winning rapper Kid Cudi, there have been headline-making moments every week. We're bringing you all the updates straight from court in New York. You can listen to the podcast on BBC Sounds or watch on our YouTube channel, external. Update: Date: 13:55 BST Title: Jury return to deliberate after dramatic day in court Content: Madeline HalpertReporting from court Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the criminal trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs in New York. We're back in federal court this morning after a long day of deliberations on Tuesday. Jurors have now reached a verdict on four out of the five counts against Combs - these are sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution charges. We still don't know what their verdict is, and the jurors said yesterday they are struggling to reach an agreement on racketeering conspiracy charges against Combs. It is the most complicated and most serious charge. It has a potential life in prison sentence if Combs is found guilty. But as the judge told them to do at the end of the day on Tuesday, jurors will go back and try to fulfil their duty to reach a unanimous verdict.
Scottish Sun
21 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
EastEnders' legend Natalie Cassidy looks unrecognisable after very glam glow up
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EASTENDERS legend Natalie Cassidy looks worlds away from Sonia Jackson days after stunning makeover. Soap favourite Natalie Cassidy has left fans doing a double take after showing off a seriously glam new look. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Natalie ditched her usual casual style for a glam new appearance Credit: Instagram/@natcass1 4 She also switched up her signature brunette locks for a fresh blonde style Credit: Instagram/@natcass1 The actress, 42, ditched her usual casual style for a sleek new appearance, complete with flawless makeup, glossy hair and a chic outfit, while promoting her new book Happy Days with publisher Harper Collins. Known for playing trumpet-blowing nurse Sonia on the BBC soap since she was a teen, Natalie turned heads with her polished transformation. Taking to her Instagram stories, Natalie wowed in a black polka dot dress with a mesh hem, showing off her fun and feminine side. She's also switched up her signature brunette locks for a fresh blonde style, complete with voluminous, bouncy waves. Finishing off the look with bronzed cheeks, fluttery lashes and a nude lip, the soap star looked every inch the glam queen. This comes after the popular soap star took to her Instagram Stories for a fiery rant over the "terrible and made up" allegations. She screen-grabbed the article image and concerning headline, which read: "Natalie Cassidy Breaks Down as She Reveals Breast Cancer Diagnosis." It then allegedly featured a quote from the TV star which read: "I Didn't Want Anyone to Know..." She furiously wrote in her caption: "THIS IS DISGUSTING AND DISGRACEFUL. "So many people are going through this and I have had messages asking if I'm ok. EastEnders' Natalie Cassidy claims huge pop star used to BULLY her at school and reveals awkward confrontation "It is completely made up and a terrible story. "Take this down whoever you are." Meanwhile, Natalie and her co-host Joanna Page have been dealt a huge blow after the BBC failed to re-commission their podcast. The pair had teamed up for the audio show discussing all things on and off the box. Sonia Fowler's biggest EastEnders storylines Sonia Fowler has featured in EastEnders since 1993, and after starring in thousands of episodes, has been featured in storylines ranging from teenage pregnancy to a cancer scare. Here are some of her biggest. Teen Pregnancy and Birth of Chloe Jackson (1999-2000) Sonia discovered she was pregnant at the age of 15. Viewers were shocked by the sudden birth, as the teen went into labour without even realising she was pregnant. Martin Fowler turned out to be Chloe's father. Sonia initially decided to give the girl up for adoption. Sonia discovered she was pregnant at the age of 15. Viewers were shocked by the sudden birth, as the teen went into labour without even realising she was pregnant. Martin Fowler turned out to be Chloe's father. Sonia initially decided to give the girl up for adoption. Death of her boyfriend (2002) Sonia's boyfriend, Jamie Mitchell, was hit by a car driven by her baby's father. Jamie had just bought an engagement ring for his girlfriend before being struck down by the thoughtless Martin, who was texting while driving. Although the Jamie was rushed to hospital, docs said his liver was irreparably damaged, and he ended up dying with Sonia by his side. Sonia's boyfriend, Jamie Mitchell, was hit by a car driven by her baby's father. Jamie had just bought an engagement ring for his girlfriend before being struck down by the thoughtless Martin, who was texting while driving. Although the Jamie was rushed to hospital, docs said his liver was irreparably damaged, and he ended up dying with Sonia by his side. Marriage to Martin Fowler and Family Tensions (2004-2007) In a shock twist Sonia went on to marry the man responsible for her previous boyfriend's death. Their relationship was marred by conflicts and infidelity, and they went on to split up after just three years. At one point in their marriage Sonia was taken hostage by Sarah Cairns, who became obsessed with Martin after he flirted with her during a drunken night out. The couple went through struggles again when the adoptive parents of their daughter were killed in a car crash, leaving them responsible for Rebecca. Because of the tension in their relationship Sonia ended up cheating on her husband with one of her co-workers, nurse Naomi Julien. In a shock twist Sonia went on to marry the man responsible for her previous boyfriend's death. Their relationship was marred by conflicts and infidelity, and they went on to split up after just three years. At one point in their marriage Sonia was taken hostage by Sarah Cairns, who became obsessed with Martin after he flirted with her during a drunken night out. The couple went through struggles again when the adoptive parents of their daughter were killed in a car crash, leaving them responsible for Rebecca. Because of the tension in their relationship Sonia ended up cheating on her husband with one of her co-workers, nurse Naomi Julien. Custody Battle for Rebecca (2005-2007) Baby Chloe, who was renamed Rebecca, was kidnapped by her mum early in life before being returned to her adoptive parents. After Neil and Sue Miller died they awarded Martin full custody of the child because of Sonia's extra-marital affair. The mum was left distraught to be cut out of her daughter's life. Baby Chloe, who was renamed Rebecca, was kidnapped by her mum early in life before being returned to her adoptive parents. After Neil and Sue Miller died they awarded Martin full custody of the child because of Sonia's extra-marital affair. The mum was left distraught to be cut out of her daughter's life. Gastric Band Surgery and Weight Struggles (2014-2015) Sonia became insecure about her weight and arranged to have a secret gastric band surgery in Bulgaria. She later collapsed at an exercise class after suffering complications from the operation. Sonia became insecure about her weight and arranged to have a secret gastric band surgery in Bulgaria. She later collapsed at an exercise class after suffering complications from the operation. Discovery of Bex's Suicide Attempt (2019) Sonia's daughter Rebecca tried to take her own life in a heartbreaking storyline which left viewers in tears. She found Bex unconscious after taking an overdose, and was devastated. Sonia blamed herself for pushing her daughter to breaking point, as she had tried to force her into going to Oxford despite Bex saying she didn't feel ready for university. Natalie had addressed Masked Singer theories suggesting she was Bush - which proved to be correct - on the pod, as well as opening up on her nerves for EastEnders' 40th anniversary episode. Yet the episodes, which generally clock in at under an hour long, will now come to an end. Welsh screen star Joanna took to her Instagram Stories to post an image of the pair promoting their show and the words: "Our lovely pod is ending and we want to hear from you about your favourite Off The Telly moments. "Send us a voicenote," before stating the contact number. The Sun has reached out to the BBC for comment and a spokesperson told us: 'What started as a six month project turned into more than a year of joyous TV chatter, and over 80 heart-warming episodes. "Though they both loved making the series, Natalie Cassidy and Joanna Page have very busy schedules and on the 21st May, the final episode of Off the Telly will be released on BBC Sounds. "Thank you to Nat and Jo for their warm recommendations and insider analysis, and to the whole team for keeping listeners in the loop with what to watch. "We look forward to working with Nat and Jo again soon!" Natalie, who quit her EastEnders role as Sonia Fowler earlier this year, still has her own podcast, Life With Nat. 4 The mum of two took to her Instagram Stories to rage about a 'disgraceful' story suggesting she has breast cancer Credit: Instagram
