Another Strictly pro ‘breaks ranks’ to support axed Graziano Di Prima amid Zara McDermott scandal
GRAZIANO Di Prima has received support from another Strictly Come Dancing professional amid the Zara McDermott scandal.
The Italian dancer has exited the BBC show after it was claimed he ‘kicked and spat’ at the former Love Island star during rehearsals.
Graziano and Zara took part in Strictly last year and lasted six weeks before they were eliminated.
But since the allegations came to light, Graziano has been axed from this year’s line-up.
Strictly pro Katya Jones was first to show her support by ‘liking’ Graziano’s Instagram post announcing his departure from the show.
Another colleague has now come forward and publicly backed him.
Nancy Xu joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2019 – one year after Graziano made his debut.
She has taken to Instagram and posted a video of herself and Graziano performing on stage to S Club 7‘s Reach.
The video had been recorded by a fan during this year’s Strictly: The Professionals live tour.
The fan had tagged Nancy and Graziano in the clip and added a red heart emoji.
The Sun exclusively revealed on Sunday that Graziano has been sacked from the BBC show for misconduct in rehearsals with celebrity partner Zara.
Video footage from the training room is said to have shown Graziano ‘kicking and spitting’ at the reality star-turned-documentary maker.
Graziano has now been fired after the claims against him emerged in the inquiry into Giovanni Pernice’s behaviour towards Amanda Abbington on the same series.
That probe began in May and Italian pro dancer Giovanni denies any wrongdoing.
Since the news emerged, Graziano has also been backed by several former celebrities who have previously taken part in Strictly.
Graziano wrote on Instagram: “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.”
Along with Katya, Graziano’s post was also liked by actress Catherine Tyldesley, Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher and fashion journalist and What Not To Wear star Susannah Constantine.
Fashion guru Susannah, 62, who was partnered with Anton du Beke on the show in 2018, has however been slammed for showing her support.
She commented: “What the hell??? You were always so sweet, kind, funny an thoughtful to me Graziano.
“Be true to yourself. Cream always rises to the top. Loads of love xxxxx.”
Some fans felt Susannah’s remark was ‘bad taste’ given the nature of the allegations.
