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Privacy NoticeStrictly Come Dancing’s Graziano Di Prima reportedly “repeatedly kicked and hit” his former dance partner Zara McDermott during their time on the show. The 30 year old Italian pro dancer took to social media over the weekend to confirm rumours that he’s been axed from the upcoming series of the dance competition, admitting “events” that he deeply regrets as the reason for his departure. It is being reported that his exit from the show is due to accusations of “gross misconduct.” Graziano, who was paired with Zara on last year’s series, informed his social media followers that he won’t be part of the new series starting in September, despite having confirmed his return in June. The professional dancer’s exit is allegedly based on claims made by those working on the show who witnessed his alleged treatment of Zara during last year’s series. The Daily Mail reports that Zara was a “victim of repeated physical and verbal abuse” behind the scenes.
Strictly’s Graziano Di Prima is accused of ‘kicking and hitting’ dance partner Zara McDermott
(Image: BBC)
Graziano Di Prima has been dropped by the BBC over allegations of gross misconduct toward Zara McDermott
(Image: Graziano Di Prima / Instagram)
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Insiders told publication that he was dropped from the show after he ‘kicked and hit’ the Love Island star. A source added that the complaint was made by several production staff, with Zara later being interviewed about his behaviour. Another insider told The Sun that he was dropped after BBC bosses were shocked after viewing video footage of his clashes with Zara. They said: “The footage has reduced those who have seen it to tears.” Zara has reportedly hired lawyers to represent her following the investigation. Graziano’s exit, decided on earlier this week, comes as third-party sources came forward regarding his alleged conduct towards At the time, Zara did not make an official complaint about Graziano’s alleged behaviour. A source went on to tell The Sun: “Graziano is said to have kicked, spat at her and hit her and there is a shocking video of one incident. Bosses have been shocked by what they have discovered.”
Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima during a performance on BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing
(Image: PA)
Graziano turned to his social media to confirm his Strictly exit, saying: “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.”
Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima during a shoot for OK!
(Image: OK! Magazine / Justin Polkey)
He 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.” In a statement the BBC 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 and robust duty of care procedures, and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate.” OK! contacted Graziano and Zara’s representatives for comment. Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterMore OnLove IslandStrictly Come DancingZara Mcdermott
