Graziano Di Prima 'screamed' at Zara McDermott during Strictly rehearsals as star frequently seen 'in tears'
Sources have claimed Zara McDermott was 'in tears' over Graziano Di Prima on several instances
BBC
Zara McDermott was reportedly followed by Graziano Di Prima as he hurled "abuse at her" during rehearsals on last year's Strictly Come Dancing.
Further claims continue to roll in after Di Prima, 30, was axed from the show last week despite initially being in the 2024 line-up.
The shocking allegations come after Love Island star McDermott, 27, broke her silence following the dancer's axe in a lengthy statement.
Di Prima later admitted to having "kicked" Mcdermott but denied claims he had "spat" at her. While he insisted the behaviour was a one-off incident, McDermott made a point to refute this.
Now, sources have intensified the extent of the "abusive" behaviour from the Sicilian-born dancer, with reports suggesting the reality star was seen in tears several times during training.
One told The Sun how McDermott had tried to find refuge from Di Prima in the toilets but that he followed her, apparently "screaming abuse".
Graziano Di Prima was axed from BBC Strictly Come Dancing
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It was also claimed the choreographer had asked McDermott "if she had gained weight" on the night of their Halloween performance, with the source adding: "She didn’t put her foot in the right direction and he was being forceful with her.
"She was crying behind the curtain during final rehearsals."
GB News has reached out to Di Prima's representatives, who criticised the circulating claims as they told The Daily Mirror: "The relentless enthusiasm for rumour-mongering by faceless individuals is wreaking havoc.
"This incessant chatter prevents those seeking peace, exacerbated by relentless media intrusion. The media's vivid and narrow lens fails to account for the profound mental health issues faced by all those who find themselves ensnared by the turmoil."
Zara McDermott broke her silence over her Strictly experience in a lengthy statement
PA
Di Prima was the latest casualty of the BBC investigation, which came soon after his co-star Giovanni Pernice was also removed from the line-up.
The current probe was launched after Pernice's celebrity partner of last year, Amanda Abbginton, made claims about him after exiting the 2023 series early.
What followed has had ongoing repercussions which has shrouded the family show in chaos. Pernice has continued to deny claims made about his "abusive" behaviour.
Abbington went on to claim she was diagnosed with PTSD following her Strictly stint and it was reported more of Pernice's former Strictly partners had supported her claims about his "militant" training approach.
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In response, the BBC recently launched an investigation which seems to have lifted a lid on many controversies reported to be taking place behind the scenes of the popular show.
Footage reviewed as part of the probe is what prompted bosses to remove Di Prima from the show, but it is also understood a third Strictly star, who is no longer a part of the series, has come up in the investigation.
The saga continued on Friday as judge Anton Du Beke himself, who starred as a professional on the show from 2004 to 2021, was dragged into headlines after reports suggest a historic complaint made against him in 2009 could resurface given the current investigation.