Exclusive
STRICTLY AXING
Strictly’s Graziano Di Prima SACKED over ‘physical behaviour’ towards dance partner Zara McDermott’
It comes after Giovanni Pernice was embroiled in controversy
STRICTLY’s Graziano Di Prima has been axed from the BBC show over allegations of physical and verbal behaviour towards his former dance partner Zara McDermott, we can reveal.
The Italian dancer, 30, will not appear in the next series of the programme despite the Beeb announcing him in the line-up.
10
10
10
10
TV insiders said Graziano was let go on Monday evening following an internal investigation into a number of physical incidents involving Zara, who appeared with him on the show last year.
It comes as....
- Graziano Di Prima was sacked over allegations of physical and verbal behaviour towards Zara McDermott
- Strictly insiders now fear the show could be AXED by the BBC
- Sources said Graziano was given his marching orders on Monday night after an internal investigation
- He shared a cryptic post hours before the news was revealed
- The pro dancer, 30, said he "deeply regrets" events that led to his departure from the series
- He said: "When the time is right, I will share my story"
The BBC today released a statement on the saga - moments before Graziano did.
Read more Showbiz
The dancer this afternoon took to Instagram saying he has "deep regrets".
Graziano wrote: "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."
He continued: "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.
Most read in Showbiz
"I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future."
He concluded the post: "I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story."
'I'm going to get fit again' vows Strictly winner as he opens up on challenge
Moments earlier the BBC released a statement on the matter, saying: “We can confirm that Graziano Di Prima is no longer a part of the line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
"While we would never comment on individual cases, it is well-known that the BBC has established and robust duty of care procedures, and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate.”
A Beeb source told The Sun: "They moved very quickly in this situation and have offered Zara support she needs.
"It's a shock for everyone involved."
Graziano had joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2018 and last year became the partner of Love Island star Zara.
The pair were eliminated in week six.
Graziano Di Prima’s incredible Italian wedding
Graziano Di Prima married his fiancée Giada Lini in Sicily - before partying till 7am, The Sun reported in 2022.
The ballroom dancer, who was 28 at the time, tied the knot in July 2022 with a stunning service at his local church, Basilica della Madonna della Catena.
They had a 90 minute traditional Catholic ceremony - in Italian and then English - in front of 200 guests.
Giada, who is also a professional dancer, wore an elegant bardot gown - later changing into a second dress.
Graziano wore a black three-piece suit with diamanté detail on the tie for the nuptials.
The dancer had brother Pietro and best friend Arduino as his best men, while Giada had several flower girls and two best men; brother Leonardo and man-of-honour Alberto.
The newlyweds celebrated with friends and family at the 14th century Castle of Falconara which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea.
The location holds special memories for the pair as it's where Graziano used to take Giada on dates.
The party started the night before the wedding, with the happy couple throwing a pizza party for the community.
Graziano and Giada - who lived in London but also had a house near Venice - were due to get married in 2020 but had the wedding cancelled twice due to Covid.
The bride walked down the aisle arm in arm with her father Mauro to the traditional song of Here Comes the Bride.
They exchanged wedding rings, a mixture of yellow gold with a white gold band, before Graziano lifted back her veil and shared a tender kiss at the altar.
The groom revealed that his Strictly co-star Johannes Radebe was supposed to be his best man, though the dancer is said to have been unable to travel due to visa issues.
The pair were joined by a host of famous faces including Strictly co-star Nadiya Bychkova, presenter Karim Zeroual and comedian Judi Love.
The newlyweds emerged from the church hand-in-hand, walking through flower arches along a white carpet.
The pair were greeted with a mini-festival featuring traditional folk dancing and music.
The locals lined the street to support Graziano and Giada on their special day.
It comes after The Sun revealed that Strictly star Amanda Abbington was considering fresh legal action after Giovanni Pernice refused to release their rehearsal videos.
Her lawyers believe the tapes will support misconduct accusations against the pro dancer, who the BBC continues to investigate.
Giovanni, 33, denies the claims against him.
However Strictly insiders wondered “what he had to hide” when he blocked the release of training footage with Ms Abbington, 50.
A source said: “Amanda and her legal team asked to have access to the tapes.
“The BBC contacted Giovanni and his legal team to get their consent but they refused.
I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly.
Graziano Di Prima
“Amanda’s legal team are now weighing up an appeal to the Information Commissioner’s Office to get access to the evidence as they think it is vital in helping support her claims.
“He claims the allegations are false — she insists they will validate every one of her grievances.
"To be clear, the BBC are reviewing the tapes and taking them very seriously.
"But there are data implications to them ever being leaked so they are in an unenviable position.”
It is understood the BBC is close to gathering all its evidence over Giovanni, whose training methods with his celeb partners have sparked accusations of gross misconduct.
The Sun earlier revealed that two non-celebs, including a choreographer, have also come forward.
It comes following rumours that there was trouble with Zara and Sam Thompson's relationship, with the couple said to have been holding "crisis talks" in order to put the romance back on track.
10
10
10
The pair reportedly had a blazing row earlier this year that prompted Zara to walk out and head to her family's house for a period of time.
However, just days later Zara shared a picture that suggested she was with Sam on a stroll together.
A source close to the couple had previously said: “It’s been a tough week for Sam and Zara, but they are still in the process of trying to work through their issues.
“They’re pursuing every avenue, but the outcome is still up in the air.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
"They need some time. There is a lot of love there, but they’re still young and finding their way amid the responsibilities of work.
“Zara, in particular, has had an emotional week and has been tearful, but has been trying her best to focus on work commitments.”
Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott Relationship Timeline
May 2019: Sam confirms he's started dating Zara in an interview after she "slid into his DMs" - they go Instagram official a month later.
October 2019: Zara makes her Made In Chelsea debut alongside Sam
November 2019: Zara forms a Love Island supergroup with Wes Nelson, Eyal Booker and Samira Mighty for Celebrity X Factor.
December 2019: Zara and Sam hit their first rocky patch, with scenes airing on Made In Chelsea showing Sam trying to "salvage" the relationship.
April 2020: In new Made In Chelsea scenes, the couple are seen fighting for their relationship, with Sam vowing to give his "whole heart" to her.
July 2020: The couple seem back on track as they head on holiday to Mykonos together - with reports he's planning to propose.
September 10 2020: The MailOnline reports the couple have split, with Zara moving back to her parents' in Essex. The Sun reveals Zara cheated on Sam while on Celebrity X Factor.
October 19, 2020: Made in Chelsea scenes air showing Zara begging Sam to forgive her. It comes days after Zara posted a montage of her and Sam together, calling him the "love of her life".
November 2020: Rumours circulate they are secretly back together.
August 2021: Zara pivots her career into documentaries, being praised for one on revenge porn, before landing a hosting gig for BBC's Love In The Flesh.
September 2021: Sam says he trusts Zara again and they are going well.
March 2022: Zara and Sam start giving their London home a makeover.
August 2023: Zara lands spot on Strictly Come Dancing.
November 2023: Sam heads to Australia for I'm A Celebrity - later winning the show. Zara needs to stay in UK due to Strictly obligations.
May 2024: Couple spark engagement rumours as they look happier than ever on social media.
June 11 2024: Sam and Zara are seen having an explosive row after SoccerAid - though they later try to laugh it off.
June 29 2024: Sam seen being consoled by Pete Wicks at Tric Awards, with news later claiming he and Zara are in "crisis talks" after she walks out of their home.
10
10
10