Graziano Di Prima’s wife responds to Zara McDermott’s statement as Strictly fallout escalates
GRAZIANO Di Prima’s wife has unfollowed her former friend Zara McDermott.
It comes as ex-Love Island star Zara released a statement following Graziano’s sacking from Strictly Come Dancing.
His loyal wife, fellow Italian Giada Lini, 34, who has danced as a professional on the Italian version of Strictly, had until then still followed Zara on Instagram.
She is believed to be at her husband’s side but has not issued a statement.
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 comedien and Loose Women panelist Judi Love in 2021 and actress Kym Marsh the following year.
Graziano and hiw wife grew close to Zara when they were partnered up for the most recent series.
However, Graziano, 30, will not be returning for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing following claims he hit, spat at and kicked Zara, 27, during rehearsals last year.
He said: “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.”
Zara unfollowed Graziano as his sacking was announced – and deleted a post praising the professional dancer for his “work ethic” and said they had shared “laughter every single day”.
Zara said in her statement: “I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports.
“Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV and one that I dreamt of being on since I was a little girl.
Graziano Di Prima - Strictly 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.”
“I have wrestled with the fear of opening up – I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming.
“But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I’ve gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show.”
Zara insisted that the Strictly production team and everyone behind the scenes were “amazing to work with”.
However she added that her “experience inside the training room was very different” and said: “There were witnesses to some events as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch.”
Zara signed off: “I would like to thank the BBC & BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me – it really truly means a lot. Love, always. Zara.”