Zara McDermott has spoken out about her time on the show (Image: BBC)Get daily celeb exclusives and behind the scenes house tours direct to your inboxMore Newsletters SubscribePlease enter a valid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.More NewslettersWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More infoThank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow me See OurPrivacy Notice See OurPrivacy Notice×Group 28 Get daily celeb exclusives and behind the scenes house tours direct to your inboxInvalid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.Sign UpNo thanks, closeWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info×Group 28Thank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow MeNo thanks, closeSee our
Privacy NoticeZara McDermott has broken her silence after allegations were made against her former Strictly Come Dancing pro partner Graziano Di Prima. She told fans how while much of her time on the show was a dream, her “experience inside the training room” with the 30-year-old Italian choreographer was “very different”. Misconduct allegations were levelled at Graziano over the weekend regarding his time on the show with 27-year-old Zara – when it was revealed that he had been axed from Strictly. In a long statement posted on Instagram this morning, she told her followers: “I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports.
Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima were partnered together on Strictly
(Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
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“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. “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.”
Zara McDermott has released a long statement about her time on Strictly Come Dancing
Zara went on: “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.” 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.” She signed off the emotional message: “Love, always. Zara.” Sign up to the OK! newsletter to get updates sent to your mailbox for free Graziano has posted his own statement about what happened where he said that he “wasn’t allowed” to comment but would “share my story” when the time was right. The dancer posted: “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. “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.” The BBC didn’t discuss the allegations against Graziano, but said they were aware of their duty of care. A spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Graziano Di Prima is no longer a part of the line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. “While we would never comment on individual cases, it is well-known that the BBC has established robust duty of care procedures, and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate.”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 Mcdermott
