Graziano Di Prima fiercely defended by BBC Strictly pro despite axe and misconduct claims: 'Will love him forever'
Vito Coppola defended former co-star and friend Graziano Di Prima amid misconduct claims
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Former Strictly Come Dancing star Graziano Di Prima, 30, has been fiercely defended by his ex co-star Vito Coppola, 31, after the 30-year-old was axed from the BBC series due to misconduct claims.
Di Prima, who has been part of the dancing competition since 2018, was accused of "physical and verbal behaviour" towards his celebrity partner, Love Island star Zara McDermott.
An insider claimed they saw Di Prima "kick, hit and spat" at McDermott - leaving the star to admit to an incident of kicking, however, vehemently denying any further accusations.
Writing on Instagram at the time, he stated: "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."
Vito Coppola and Graziano Di Prima grew up together competing in Italian competitions
BBC
The star also sat down with the Daily Mail where he admitted he was confused over McDermott's allegations and claimed he thought they were friends, leaving the rest of his co-stars to keep their distance from the scandal ahead of this year's competition.
Coppola recently spoke out about the claims against Di Prima after the pair grew up alongside one another at Italian dance competitions, eventually growing close and becoming like brothers.
The scandal put Coppola and others in a difficult position, but the 31-year-old has vowed to stand by his friend and recently told The Mirror: "I love Graziano. I’ve known him since years ago when we were competing. I love him and I will love him forever."
Coppola - who was crowned Strictly Come Dancing champion last year alongside Coronation Street star Ellie Leach - is still waiting to see who he will be partnered with during this year's competition.
Graziano Di Prima was axed from the show after claims of misconduct towards Zara McDermott
PA
Speaking about how excited he is about the upcoming season, Coppola added: "It’s like a family. We always want to look at the positive, beautiful things. This year is Strictly’s 20th anniversary, and it’s going to be a special year.
"Amy is back, and will bring us so much joy, words cannot express. And then there’s Aljaž – it’s a nice opportunity to get to work side by side. There is so much love, we are just enjoying every moment, every day of this rehearsal. This is just the beginning."
Joining the show this year is, DIY SOS star Nick Knowles, Olympic hockey champion Sam Quek, Love Island star Tasha Ghouri, Gladiators star Montell Douglas, Olympic swimmer Tom Dean and EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick.
Starring alongside them is Miranda star Sarah Hadland, Singer Shayne Ward, The Only Way is Essex star Pete Wicks, TV doctor Punam Krishan, Singer Toyah Willcox, Singer Wynne Evans, JLS star JB Gill and Comedian Chris McCausland.
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The pair were partnered together on last year's series
BBC
Di Prima's wife, Giada Lini, hasn't publicly said anything about the controversy but recently broke her silence with a defiant post, showing how united the pair were.
Posting a snap of her hand intertwined with Di Prima's, she penned: "Noi," which translates into English as "us".