Zara McDermott issues statement explaining why she didn't join Sam Thompson for I'm A Celeb

I'm A Celebrity winner Sam Thompson is hosting companion show Unpacked this year and his partner Zara McDermott has now addressed having not joined him in Australia

TV presenter Zara McDermott has addressed questions over why she's not joined her partner Sam Thompson in Australia while he's out there working on I'm A Celebrity.

Reigning winner Sam, 32, will be hosting companion show Unpacked with Joel Dommett and Kemi Rodgers as part of the ITV show's return this month. Sam arrived in Brisbane over the weekend ahead of the launch show on Sunday.

His partner Zara, 27, has not accompanied him on the trip, with her having remained in the UK. She spoke about the circumstances in a Q&A on Instagram on Tuesday after a fan asked: "How come you didn't go with Sam to Australia?"

Addressing the question, former Love Island star Zara revealed that she has work committments, with her filming a documentary about stalking for the BBC. She added that Sam's schedule would not accommodate a guest either.

Zara said in her Q&A on the platform this week: "You guys are funny. I've had this question so many times! Well firstly I'm filming my documentary about stalking at the moment and it's really not possible to take time off filming at short notice. Sam's show only got confirmed last month."

She added: "I am working with some amazing women. It wouldn't feel right, and I wouldn't want to just pull out of filming and let everyone down, especially the brave women who have come forward to share their stories with me."

Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Zara continued in her recent post: "Secondly; Sam has to get up for work at 1am every day, it's a closed set so I wouldn't be able to go to work with him. I'd just be sat at the hotel while he's working.

"He also goes to bed at around 4/5pm Australia time in order to get up at 1am. I don't know how it would work me being out there with him because it's not like I'd be able to go for dinners and stuff on my own. I'd probably have to go to sleep at that time too."

She concluded the post by telling fans: "Let's see, if he ends up going back next year for another season then I'll defo go out there if I can. Also though, I think it's funny how people assume just because Sam is working away, I automatically should go. Love you guys but I also have a job too."

I'm A Celebrity ... Unpacked, which features Sam as one of its hosts, promises behind-the-scenes gossip, unseen clips, exclusive interviews and more. It's scheduled to launch on ITV2 on Sunday, after I'm A Celebrity's return on ITV.

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