Zara McDermott slams 'vile' Christmas Eve encounter as engagement rumours swirl

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Zara McDermott has shared a 'vile' encounter she had during a recent Christmas shopping trip in London.

On Christmas Eve, the TV star dashed out to get some last-minute presents and groceries, when she was targeted in an upsetting incident. Zara took to Instagram to share the disturbing details with her social media followers.

She said she was outside a Lidl supermarket at around 2pm with her brother's girlfriend Alice when she was 'spat on' by a stranger. Visibly shaken, the 28-year-old recorded a video after the ordeal that she shared with her 2 million Instagram followers, reports the Mirror.

Zara said: "Guys, me and Alice are actually really shocked at what just happened. We were just getting some last minute Christmas bits just walking down the street, normal normal stuff and this guy out of nowhere runs up to us, spits on us, thankfully it just missed because of the wind and then walked off in the other direction. I can't believe it."

In a later story post, she then added: "I think I would have been really shaken up if alone! Luckily I was with Alice. Had so many messages from other people having experienced the same thing in London. I've heard of men approaching women on the street and hitting them in the face also (a friend of mine had this happen to her) It's completely vile."

It comes after Zara's partner, Sam Thompson, recently caused a stir with speculation about a possible engagement. The former Made in Chelsea star posted a touching birthday message to his girlfriend, referring to her as "my person" and suggesting a lifelong commitment by saying, "I'm afraid you're stuck with me forever."

Sam's post read: "My best friend, and soul mate....some would say my person. I'm