Strictly fans work out new celeb pairing after Graziano is sacked over Zara McDermott abuse claims
STRICTLY Come Dancing fans reckon they have the show’s new partnerships sussed after Graziano Di Prima’s sacking.
The Sun exclusively revealed how the Italian has exited the BBC tea-time series after he was accused of kicking ex-Love Island star Zara McDermott, 27, during heated rehearsals last season.
The allegations of “physical incidents” have come amid ongoing Strictly Come Dancing turmoil regarding fellow countryman and show professional Giovanni Pernice, 33.
He quit the show earlier this year and is under investigation by the BBC over misconduct after complaints were filed by several of his former celebrity dance partners.
Graziano was fired after the claims against him emerged in the inquiry into Giovanni’s behaviour towards former show star Amanda Abbington on the same series.
With the programme’s professional line-up now in chaos, fans have taken to social media to suggest one pairing is a frontrunner already.
They believe a female famous face will be paired with a female pro – particularly with the return of dancer Amy Dowden, 33, following her battle with breast cancer.
One viewer was quick to muse on X: “No doubt Neil will still not get a celeb.
“With additional female pros probably an all female pairing this year.”
A second wrote on Reddit: “Think the simplest solution for the producers will be to give a female celebrity a female pro partner.
“The show needs to have a f/f partnership with some potential to go the distance after two m/m finalist couples.”
Another then mused: “I think it’s much too late to bring in anymore pros, old or new, and Neil hasn’t been particularly successful so I think an all-female partnership is the way to go.”
Strictly usually kicks off in autumn and runs through until just before Christmas.
Yet the celebrities and their partners begin training through summer – meaning the 2024 cast is a hot topic of discussion at the moment.
Strictly made history with the first ever same-sex dance between Johannes Radebe, 37, and Graziano during the 2019 series.
It was followed by BBC show’s first female pairing Katya Jones and Nicola Adams in 2020.
Previously, comedian Jayde Adams, 39, was also paired with professional dancer Karen Hauer in 2022.
Graziano Di Prima - Strcitly statement in FULL
GRAZIANO Di Prima has addressed his Strictly Come Dancing sacking with a statement on social media - see the details below.
In a statement shared to his Instagram page 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.
“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.”
BREAKING SILENCE
After news of Graziano’s exit was made public, the star spoke out.
It came after he was alleged to have hit, kicked and spat at Zara during their time training together.
In a statement shared to his Instagram page 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.
“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.”
He joined the show in 2018 and was partnered with DJ Vick Hope.
In 2021, he was paired up with Loose Women panelist Judi Love and actress Kym Marsh the following year.
HISTORICAL CLAIMS
The Sun has exclusively reported how Strictly was twice warned of Graziano’s conduct previously.
Meanwhile, a host of stars have broken ranks to support the star.
On the flip side, Zara and her boyfriend Sam Thompson have now unfollowed him on social media.