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Privacy Notice Dermot O’Leary has questioned the BBC’s statement about the axing of pro dancer Graziano Di Prima from their flagship TV show, Strictly Come Dancing. The TV presenter, 51, was speaking to Jordan North, 34, during a segment discussing the latest showbiz news on Monday’s instalment of This Morning, 15 July. Jordan read out the statement from the BBC which addresses Graziano’s exit following gross misconduct claims amid his partnering with celeb contestant Zara McDermott, 27, during last year’s season. Dermot first said of the news: “It’s come from nowhere really hasn’t it?” before going on to comment on the BBC statement, adding: “It’s as clear as mud that isn’t it, there’s no flesh on the bones there?”
Dermot O’Leary has spoke out about the Strictly scandal on This Morning
(Image: PA)
Graziano Di Prima is no longer part of the Strictly Come Dancing team after being accused of misconduct on the show
(Image: BBC)
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On Saturday, 13 July, the BBC revealed that Graziano would not be returning to the dance floor for Strictly Come Dancing 2024, following reports came to light that the dancer had allegedly hit and kick celebrity partner Zara McDermott, 27, during the competition last year. The BBC said in a statement over the weekend: “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.” According to the Mail on Sunday, BBC bosses terminated his contract after members of the Strictly production team complained about Graziano’s treatment of Zara, with footage of his misconduct reportedly “reducing people to tears”. Speaking to the Mirror, a source said: “As soon as it was viewed, it was game over for Graziano.
Zara McDermott was reportedly ‘hit and kick’ by her professional partner Graziano Di Prima during Strictly last year
(Image: No credit)
“His Strictly career was dead and buried and there was never any way back. Everyone’s stomachs just dropped when the footage became available, and our hearts went out to Zara who clearly had been suffering in silence. The key then was to act promptly, which they did.” In a statement posted to Instagram on Saturday, Graziano said: “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.” This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX. 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 DancingThis MorningZara Mcdermott
