Inside Zara McDermott’s friendship with Graziano DiPrima’s wife before shock statement and star being axed from Strictly
GRAZIANO Di Prima’s wife Giadi Lini made the decision to unfollow Zara McDermott on Instagram after the reality star spoke out on his shocking behaviour in rehearsals for Strictly.
Giada, 32, and Zara, 27, had been introduced through Graziano, 28, and were said to have clicked straight away.
Speaking on his Hits Radio show in September, Zara’s boyfriend Sam Thompson spoke about the foursome enjoying nights out away from the show.
He said: “Graziano – what a lovely man!
“What a beautiful man as well… big muscles, about 6ft 4, jacked and a year younger than me as well which is terrifying.”
He continued: “He came round for dinner with his lovely, beautiful wife not long ago – we made him spag bol – and we found out loads about him.
“He grew up in Sicily, he was a grape stomper – I think that’s what they call it!
“He put a roof over his parents head when he started dancing, he’s got the most amazing story, he’s the loveliest man.”
The Italian dancer was then dumped from the series, after devastating allegations of misconduct towards Zara came to light.
Last week, Love Island star Zara released a statement saying she was “scared to speak out” and “wrestled with the fear of opening up”.
Following the damning statement, Graziano’s wife Giada Lini showed her support for her husband by unfollowing Zara on Instagram.
She was following Zara on the platform up until last week.
But surprisingly Zara is still following Italian dancer Giada.
She’s continued to follow Giovanni Pernice, who is also under investigation on the BBC dance show.
Former Made In Chelsea star boyfriend Sam has also cut ties with Graziano on Instagram.
Graziano is said to be terrified and devastated after being axed, and has returned to Italy with Giada to start his life over.
Graziano and Giada have been together for nearly ten years and tied the knot in 2022 at the 14th century Castle of Falconara, in Sicily, which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea.
He proposed to Giada on stage during the Burn The Floor dance tour performance in Watford in 2019.
Graziano had joined the Strictly line-up the year before and was first partnered with DJ Vick Hope.
He was paired up with comedian and Loose Women panelist Judi Love in 2021 and actress Kym Marsh the following year.
OFF THE SHOW
The pro dancer also emphasised that he and his wife “have principles” when training begins, dismissing any speculation that he could be struck by the Strictly curse.
He said: “We do the same job, we are professional dancers.
“We respect each other and have principles, and we try to share everything we are going through in the season with each other.
“Giada is my best friend, she knows everything.
“When you don’t want to do things in the wrong way, you never even think of it.”
Speaking to OK!, the dancer also explained that it can be difficult to spend time away from his wife Giada Lini due to the intense nature of training.
He said: “It’s mixed feelings because it’s the most wonderful time and I’m doing what I love the most. I am so lucky; Strictly changed my life. But at the same time, I am apart from my wife.
“It’s one of the toughest times. Strictly takes every minute of your life.”