Graziano Di Prima to 'sue' BBC for lack of 'support and help' prior to Strictly axe amid McDermott statement

However, it is believed the BBC will be fighting back, with a source reportedly labelling the dancer "abhorrent".

It has been reported that Italian-born Di Prima believes he should have been "supported and helped" after being warned about his behaviour towards Love Island star McDermott, 27.

It was revealed over the weekend that following a BBC investigation - initially sparked by claims made against fellow professional Giovanni Pernice - that Di Prima had to be removed from the competition series after footage was reviewed.

A BBC insider allegedly told MailOnline in response to Di Prima's argument: "Why would any workplace, particularly one paid for by the public, offer support to someone who acted in an undoubtedly abhorrent manner?"

It was reported the choreographer "kicked and hit" McDermott, but he has reportedly argued he wasn't given any advice on how to deal with the pressure of the competition.

A friend of the dancer told the publication regarding his reported plans to take legal action: "There are questions over their [the BBC’s] procedures, and how they operate behind the scenes.

"He [Di Prima] believes that there is a lot of pressure on professionals to get nines or 10s to entertain the audience."

McDermott broke her silence on Tuesday as she revealed her "incredibly distressing" experience training with Di Prima.

Taking to Instagram, she penned: "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.

"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.

"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."

A BBC spokesperson recently confirmed that Di Prima was "no longer a part of the line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series" but refused to comment on "individual cases".

They also 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."

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The Times has reported Sam Bickley, the BBC’s duty of care executive, is expected to speak with production bosses at BBC Studios to remind them of their responsibilities and discuss improvements.

“The BBC has toughened up its duty of care rules and Sam is now acting as a full-time duty of care exec. She will be discussing the protocols and where they need to be tightened up,” one insider told the publication.

“It’s 90 percent a happy ship but the push to win and compete might have meant some overstepping of the mark.

"They have acted swiftly and decisively to nip that in the bud and it doesn’t take away from almost everyone else having a really lovely, enriching experience from being part of the show.”