Zara has released a statement on social media regarding her Strictly Come Dancign experience (Image: BBC)Love Love Island? Our Factor 50 email brings all the goss 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 Love Love Island? Our Factor 50 email brings all the goss 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 previously opened up about ‘bickering’ with her Strictly Come Dancing partner Graziano Di Prima prior to the allegations made against him. On Saturday 13 July, the news broke that Graziano had been ‘axed’ by the BBC. Graziano starred on Strictly since 2018 and was partnered with Love Island’s Zara last year. But the BBC confirmed that he would no longer be ‘part of the line-up’. Zara had hinted about the relationship between her and Graziano beforehand. In an interview with the Daily Mail talking about why she and Sam Thompson didn’t ‘fall victim to the Strictly curse’ last year, Zara said: “You very quickly become like brother and sister and you kind of have that bickery relationship. Also there are cameras in the room most of the time with you.”
BBC have confirmed that Graziano won’t appear in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing
(Image: PA)
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On Tuesday 16 July, Zara made a statement on the matter and 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 admitted she and Graziano ‘bickered’ like siblings during rehearsal
(Image: BBC)
The statement continued: “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.” 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 Di Prima has left Strictly Come Dancing after being accused of misconduct
(Image: BBC)
Graziano also released a statement apologising over the weekend. He wrote: “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 OnLove IslandStrictly Come DancingSam ThompsonZara Mcdermott
