BBC speaks out after Graziano Di Prima SACKED over ‘behaviour towards Zara McDermott’ as Strictly plunged into chaos
THE BBC has broken its silence after Graziano Di Prima was axed from Strictly following allegations of physical and verbal behaviour.
The Sun today revealed the Italian dancer, 30, had been hit with claims around his former dance partner Zara McDermott.
We revealed he will not appear in the next series of the programme despite the Beeb announcing him in the line-up.
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.
The BBC today released a statement around the allegations, and confirmed Graziano was no longer part of the Strictly line-up – just moments before the dancer too spoke out.
The broadcasting giant said: “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 today took to Instagram saying he has “deep regrets”.
The dancer 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.
“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.”
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.
I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future.
Graziano Di Prima
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.
“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.