Graziano Di Prima snubbed by TWO former Strictly partners after he’s accused of ‘hitting and kicking’ Zara McDermott
GRAZIANO Di Prima has been snubbed by TWO former Strictly partners after it was revealed he has been axed from the show.
Earlier this week it was revealed the dancer will not be returning for the upcoming series of the show following claims he hit, spat at and kicked Zara McDermott, 27, during rehearsals last year.
It’s now come to light that two of his former Strictly celebrity dance partners have now chosen to distance themselves after the scandal broke.
BBC Breakfast presenter Sally Nugent – who performed with Graziano on last year’s Christmas special – doesn’t follow him on Instagram, even though he follows her.
Also, singer Anne-Marie, who he again danced with in a festive edition of Strictly, has also chosen not to follow him.
It comes as former Love Island star Zara broke her silence on Graziano being axed.
In a statement she said she was “scared” to address the situation before now.
Posting on social media, she said: “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.
“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.”
The allegations against Graziano came to light during the inquiry into claims that Strictly pro-Giovanni Pernice, 33, bullied his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington, 50, on the last series – which he has strenuously denied.
Graziano, who joined the show in 2018 and attended the same “brutal” dance school as Giovanni in Italy, had his BBC contract terminated when spoken to on Monday.
He broke his silence moments after his exit was announced and spoke of his “deep regret” over claims he had kicked, hit and spat at Zara, and he accepted the decision to part ways with the show.
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.”