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Privacy NoticeZara McDermott has taken to Instagram to break her silence amid allegations against her former Strictly Come Dancing partner Grazino Di Prima. It comes after it was revealed that he had been axed from Strictly due to the alleged ‘gross misconduct’. In a lengthy statement to fans on Tuesday morning, 16 July, Zara told fans she had “wrestled with the fear of opening up” as she “was scared about public backlash”. She also revealed how much of her experience on the show was ‘everything she’d ever dreamed of,’ although her “ experience inside the training room was very different.”
Zara has broken her silence
(Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
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Zara’s statement, posted to her Instagram story read in full: “I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports.” “Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV and one that I dreamt of being on since I was a little girl. When I was invited to be a contestant on the show it really was a childhood dream come true. “I fully understood the level of commitment and hard work that Strictly was going to be and I dedicated everything to it. I am a resilient person and I was fully prepared to put in whatever it took. “And so much of my Strictly experience was everything I could have dreamt of. The entire production team and everyone behind the scenes as well as my fellow contestants were so amazing to work with.
Zara released the statement via her Instagram story
(Image: Instagram/zara_mcdermott)
“However, my experience inside the training room was very different. Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch. “I have wrestled with the fear of opening up- I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming. “But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I’ve gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show. “The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak up, especially in a world where social media opinions and voices are so loud. This is something I’ve seen through working with countless women on my documentaries.”
Both Zara and Graziano have released statements
(Image: Getty Images)
The reality star added: “I would like to thank the BBC & BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me – it really truly means a lot.” “Love, always. Zara,” she signed off the emotional message. Graziano also released a statement apologising over the weekend, as he said “he deeply regrets the events that led to his departure.” “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime,” the dancer posted on Instagram. “While respecting the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it’s only right for the sake of the show that I step away. “I am saddened that I wasn’t allowed to offer a quote to the online news stories, and I take on board the sensitivity of the situation. There’s more to this story that I am unable to discuss at this time, but I am committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family nothing but success in the future.” He concluded: “I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right I will share my story.”Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnStrictly Come DancingZara McdermottGraziano Di Prima
