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Privacy NoticeFootage showing Graziano Di Prima’s treatment of Zara McDermott on Strictly Come Dancing has “reduced people to tears”, following claims of misconduct. The professional dancer confirmed on Saturday, 13 July, he had been axed from the BBC One show. Graziano, 30, was partnered with ex-Love Island star Zara, 27, on Strictly 2023. The Italian star was confronted by BBC bosses this week and his contract was terminated, according to the Mail on Sunday, due to his treatment of Zara. It has since been claimed Zara was not the individual who made the complaints against Graziano but a member of the production team. Graziano is said to have “repeatedly kicked and hit” his celebrity dance partner while training for the show last year. New reports claim footage of the alleged incidents have made people “cry”.
Graziano Di Prima and Zara McDermott
(Image: Instagram / Zara McDermott)
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Speaking to The Sun, a source said: “The footage has reduced those who have seen it to tears.” They went on to add: “As part of a wider BBC investigation reports of Graziano’s behaviour came from multiple third-party sources — with multiple reports of physical and verbal abuse.” OK! has contacted Graziano Di Prima and Zara McDermott’s representatives for comment. Graziano publicly addressed his Strictly exit after reports emerged on Saturday. He took to Instagram to issue a statement to his fans, where he claimed there is “more to this story” which he is “unable to discuss” right now. “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,” he wrote.
Graziano is alleged to have ‘repeatedly kicked and hitl Zara in the training room
(Image: zara_mcdermott/Instagram)
Zara and Graziano were paired together on Strictly 2023
(Image: PA)
Graziano added: “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.” The BBC said in a statement: “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 and 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 OnZara McdermottStrictly Come DancingGraziano Di PrimaHorus
