Zara McDermott shuts down Olly Murs romance rumours over 'age gap'

Former Love Island contestant Zara McDermott has shut down “awkward” speculation that she is dating Olly Murs – because The Voice judge is too old for her.

The reality star, 22, and the musician, 34, were linked earlier this year when Murs ‘liked’ a string of McDermott’s glamorous Instagram photos.

Discussing the romance rumours in a new interview with The Sun, the former civil servant said that she was “really annoyed” by the dating reports.

“He’s a lot older than me,” she told the paper of their 12 year age gap, adding: “I feel really annoyed now because it’s awkward. Everyone thinks I’m dating b***** Olly Murs.

“Imagine my ideal man wants to slide into my DMs but they think I’m with Olly. It’s not ideal.”

McDermott went on to reveal that Murs had invited her to watch a live episode of The Voice, as she has musical aspirations of her own.

“I sing and play the piano and he invited me to watch The Voice to see how it works as I want to get into all of that,” she said. “He was lovely to me and that’s all I can say.”

Standard Online has contacted representatives for Murs for further comment.

McDermott’s comments come after she broke into giggles as she was quizzed on the supposed romance by Victoria Derbyshire last month.

The BBC broadcaster asked her if she was “dating Olly Murs” in a behind-the-scenes Instagram Story, posted after McDermott appeared on Derbyshire’s show to discuss cosmetic surgery.

McDermott collapsed into giggles and shouted “No comment, no comment!” prompting Derbyshire to reply: “From your reaction and the very fact that you said no comment I think that’s confirmation.”

The Love Island star then described Murs as a “lovely guy” and joked that he thinks she has “the X Factor” in reference to the show that launched his singing career.

McDermott previously dated fellow Love Island contestant Adam Collard, but confirmed that the couple had parted ways in an Instagram statement shared in February.

“I love him very much and will always have a special place in my heart for him & our time spent together,” she wrote. “I have tried so hard to be the best person I can possibly be and to make it work.”