Zara McDermott tearfully brands Graziano Di Prima 'most beautiful soul' in tearful final joint TV interview

The BBC has removed the Italian-born dancer from the competition after reviewing footage during a probe into the show sparked by complaints made against Di Prima's fellow professional dancer, Giovanni Pernice.

It was revealed DI Prima allegedly "kicked and spat on" McDermott during training for last year's show, and in a statement released after his sacking he explained 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".

Claims about his conduct followed the news of his axe, including one reported by The Sun that Di Prima "kicked, spat at [McDermott] and hit her" as well as there being "a shocking video of one incident".

McDermott has also issued a statement where she said the footage was "distressing".

In their final interview together though, McDermott got tearful as she addressed how much she would miss training with the choreographer.

As It Takes Two host Fleur East asked: "What are you going to miss the most?" the reality star wiped away tears as she replied: "this person," pointing to Di Prima.

"And not spending every day with him," she added before continuing: "I said I wasn't going to cry again today but here I am again!"

She continued: "This human being right here is what I'm going to miss the most. He is the most special, beautiful soul in the world."

Di Prima then pulled McDermott in for a hug as she remained emotional. Breaking her silence on Di Prima's axe, McDermott recently issued a lengthy statement where she noted her experience in the training room had been "distressing".

"I have wrestled with the fear of opening up - I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming," she said.

"But after a lot of conversation with those I love, I've gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show.

"The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak up, especially in a world where social media opinions and voices are so loud. This is something I've seen through working with countless women on my documentaries.

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"I would like to thank the BBC & BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me - it truly means a lot.

"Love, always. Zara," the former Strictly star signed off.

The BBC hasn't commented on the saga but a spokesperson said of Di Prima that he was "no longer a part of the line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series".

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."