Kym Marsh makes feelings clear on BBC Strictly's Graziano Di Prima axe as she issues firm backing of dancer
BBC Strictly: Kym Marsh has shown her support for axed dancer Graziano Di Prima
PA/GETTY
Kym Marsh has publicly thrown her support behind Graziano Di Prima, weeks after his sensational sacking from the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.
The Italian professional dancer was booted from the show after it emerged concerns had been raised over his treatment of his 2023 dancer partner, Zara McDermott.
Footage reportedly showed Di Prima "kicking" McDermott in the rehearsal room, something he eventually admitted to via a spokesperson.
McDermott has since spoken out on her time on the show, claiming it's "distressing" to watch footage from the rehearsal room back and that the "kicking" incident wasn't a singular occurrence.
On the other hand, Di Prima claimed he "didn't mean" to kick McDermott, telling the Mail Online that he'd supposedly apologised soon after and there was "no problem".
At the time the news of his exit emerged, the likes of Catherine Tyldesley, Kelvin Fletcher and Chizzy Akudolu all threw their support behind Di Prima - and now Marsh has followed suit.
BBC Strictly: Kym Marsh and Graziano Di Prima competed in the 2022 series
BBC
Speaking to the Sun, Marsh said of the Italian pro: "I’m reluctant to talk too much about someone else’s experience. I had one of the best times of my life doing that show and it was amazing."
Marsh took part in the 20th series of Strictly in 2022 where she was partnered with Di Prima - they were the 10th couple eliminated of the series.
Reflecting further on her time on the show, she added to the publication: "I didn’t have any experiences like we’ve heard.
"It definitely, definitely did not represent what I had experienced, no."
Zara McDermott and Graziano di Prima performed on Strictly last year
BBCMarsh was also quizzed on if she felt "surprised" by the allegations lodged against Di Prima, to which she said: “Yeah.
"I’ll always have tremendously fond memories."
Marsh's defence of Di Prima comes just days after he defended himself to the Mail Online after returning to his home country of Italy following his axe.
"I’m not a monster. I’m not an abusive man," Di Prima said. "The only thing I can think of is the time I kicked the floor in frustration. We’d practised hour after hour to perfect a routine with lifts.
"It wasn’t easy but that’s the pressure of the show. I wasn’t meaning to kick her. I’d never, never do that. My foot brushed her after I kicked the floor.
"Afterwards I hugged her and said I was sorry. There was no problem. We carried on.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Strictly Come Dancing's Graziano Di Prima admitted to kicking his partner Zara McDermott
PA"I’m not sure if this is it or if it’s from when we, as professional dancers, move our partner’s leg with our foot. That is what is so difficult for me – not knowing."
Di Prima's axing - along with the departure of Giovanni Pernice who's been the subject of his own misconduct investigation - has meant Strictly's crop of male pros is currently rather thin.
Therefore, the newly announced 2024 cast boasts nine male celebrities and just six female stars who'll be vying for the Glitterball Trophy this year.
Nick Knowles, Paul Merson and Sam Quek were the final three stars unveiled on Monday night in a line-up that has been described by some dubbed fans as the "worst" ever.