Graziano Di Prima publicly backed by BBC Strictly pro amid axe for allegedly 'kicking and spitting' on former partner
Graziano Di Prima has been publicly backed by Strictly stars following his axe
BBC/PA
Professional dancer Graziano Di Prima has received public displays of support from a number of Strictly alum following his exit.
The Italian-born dancer was axed by BBC bosses following claims of misconduct towards his 2023 partner, Zara McDermott.
Di Prima has issued a statement on his sacking, admitting he "deeply regrets the events that led" to his departure.
The dancer also claimed his "intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime".
Since news of his exit came to light, several claims about the misconduct have emerged, including one source who told The Sun that Di Prima "kicked, spat at [McDermott] and hit her" as well as there being "a shocking video of one incident".
The BBC has declined to comment on "individual cases" but Di Prima took to Instagram with his statement on the incident, to which he received several shows of support.
Graziano Di Prima and Zara McDermott competed in the 2023 series of Strictly
BBC
The statement in full that he shared to Instagram read: "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.
"Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it's best for the show that I step away.
"While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can't discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
"I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future. 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."
In response to the statement, several former stars of Strictly expressed their dismay, including Corrie star Catherine Tyldesley who penned: "What nooooo," followed by heartbroken emojis.
Meanwhile, another celeb participant, Susannah Constantine, weighed in: "What the hell??? You were always so sweet, kind, funny and thoughtful to me Graziano. Be true to yourself. Cream always rises to the top. Loads of love xxxx."
"I adore you Graz," added actress Chizzy Akudolu while former winner Kelvin Fletcher added to the support by sharing one love heart emoji.
Ant McPartlin's ex-wife Lisa Armstrong, who works in the makeup department of the show, also liked the post while Chyna Mills, the fiancée of current pro Neil Jones, followed suit.
Arguably most surprising given the BBC is reported to have warned Shirley Ballas against showing support for another axed dancer, Giovanni Pernice, professional dancer and current Strictly star Katya Jones appeared to show her backing to Di Prima by liking the statement.
McDermott has remained silent on the news across her social media channels but is reported to have unfollowed Di Prima since.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Graziano Di Prima has been accused of 'spitting and kicking' Zara McDermott
BBC
A BBC spokesperson only confirmed that Di Prima was "no longer a part of the line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series".
They added: "While we would never comment on individual cases, it is well-known that the BBC has established a robust duty of care procedures, and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate."
The saga has been branded a "complete mess" by a source who alleges Di Prima feels he had a lack of "support" building up to his axe.
"Graziano has held up his hands and admits his behaviour was extreme and unacceptable. He knows there is no return and quite rightly. Yet why was no action taken sooner to nip this situation in the bud?" they told The Sun.
"Graziano feels if he had received proper support and some sort of anger management training, an escalation could have been prevented.
"For the Beeb’s part, Graziano was not the only dancer being spoken to and they had absolutely no idea about the alleged kicking — which it is claimed happened twice — and as soon as they were alerted, they took decisive action and fired him."
The Italian dancer is said to be "in bits" and being closely monitored by his mother and wife at home.
You may like
