Strictly’s Graziano Di Prima sacked after bosses shown shock footage of him clashing with dance partner Zara McDermott
STRICTLY’S Graziano Di Prima has been sacked after BBC bosses were shown shocking video of clashes with celeb partner Zara McDermott.
Pro Graziano, 30, is accused of kicking the ex-Love Island star, 27, at heated rehearsals.
A source said: “The footage has reduced those who have seen it to tears.”
Di Prima was sacked for gross misconduct amid claims he hit, spat and kicked dance partner Zara.
The BBC yesterday confirmed the Italian will not appear in the next series.
“Graziano has been accused of multiple physical and verbal incidents. The BBC had no choice but to sack him.”
Senior executives were locked in crisis talks yesterday afternoon over our revelations.
Zara has instructed lawyers to act for her.
Ten million watch Strictly every week and a TV source said: “It’s the biggest scandal to have hit the much-loved show as it approaches its 20th anniversary. Graziano will never be appearing on the show again. They had to act.”
The shock allegations emerged during the inquiry into claims that another Italian star, Giovanni Pernice, 33, bullied actress Amanda Abbington, 50, on the last series.
Giovanni has strenuously denied any wrongdoing.
The BBC had widened that investigation to look into the treatment of other dancers.
Zara did not make an official complaint at that time, though last September she and Graziano looked frosty as they left a training session in West London.
Bosses contacted the ex-Love Island star and documentary maker after other contestants and production staff made allegations against Graziano.
An insider said: “As part of a wider BBC investigation reports of Graziano’s behaviour came from multiple third-party sources — with multiple reports of physical and verbal abuse.
Swift action
“Zara was seen stressed and upset at rehearsals and other celebrities were aware but no one reported it at the time.
“As soon as it came to light the BBC took swift action.
“She was invited in for an interview and she confirmed what had been reported, as well as other matters being revealed.
“She didn’t put in a formal complaint, but is now co-operating with the investigation.
GRAZIANO’S STATEMENT
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.
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.
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.
“Graziano is said to have kicked, spat at her and hit her and there is a shocking video of one incident. Bosses have been shocked by what they have discovered.
“Zara has had an incredibly tough few weeks and has been trying to put on a brave face for work engagements.
She was in a difficult position with nowhere to turn
Zara insider
“Her boyfriend (I’m A Celebrity winner) Sam Thompson has been supportive towards her.”
Asked why Zara didn’t speak out before, an insider said: “Zara was too scared to say anything about what she had encountered.
“She was in a difficult position with nowhere to turn.
“There was also an element of coercion too.”
Graziano had his BBC contract terminated when spoken to on Monday. That day Strictly announced pro Aljaž Škorjanec was returning to the show two years after he quit, raising questions about who he was replacing.
Yesterday afternoon — moments after the BBC confirmed his sacking — Graziano shared a statement on Instagram, saying: “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.
“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. 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.”
Last month the BBC named Graziano in the line-up for the next series.
The Sicilian-born star joined Strictly in 2018.
He is married to pro Giada Lini who appears on the Italian version.
Graziano has previously been paired with TV presenter and DJ Vick Hope, Loose Women star Judi Love and in 2022 he reached the quarter- final with actress Kym Marsh.
Graziano has previously been paired with presenter Loose Women star and in 2022 he reached the quarter-final with actress
Fans deserve to know truth
By Hannah Hope
STRICTLY is a national treasure — the jewel in the BBC’s entertainment crown.
But now, Britain’s most popular show is facing a series of troubling questions about what goes on behind the scenes.
The Sun on Sunday revealed earlier this year damaging claims about long-time pro dancer Giovanni Pernice’s behaviour towards his partner on the last series, Amanda Abbington.
Subsequently, it was announced that Pernice had quit this year’s show.
Now fellow pro Graziano Di Prima has been sacked for gross misconduct towards ex-Love Islander Zara McDermott, who danced with him last year.
The revelation has plunged Strictly into its biggest-ever crisis — as it is about to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Strictly is a family favourite and is watched by viewers of all ages.
The BBC’s investigation must leave no stone unturned.
It is the very least Strictly’s millions of loyal fans deserve.
His sacking will shock fans after Zara and Graziano appeared to be on good terms, with her praising him publicly.
Last autumn they were seen embracing after another rehearsal and he kissed her on the cheek in front of unimpressed wife Giada.
During the show Zara said: “Bless Graz, I have started with literally no dance or performance experience whatsoever and he has been putting all of his energy into teaching me, with so much kindness, patience and passion.”
They were eliminated in week six in October and a tearful Zara said: “I have had the time of my life. Just to be here is incredible.
“Thank you to the judges and my amazing partner obviously.”
A BBC spokesperson confirmed Graziano had been sacked, saying: “We can confirm that Graziano Di Prima is no longer a part of the line-up for the upcoming series. While we would never comment on individual cases, it is well-known the BBC has established robust duty of care procedures, and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate.”
A BBC source added: “They moved very quickly in this situation and have offered Zara support she needs.
“It’s a shock for everyone and raises questions about what has been going on behind the scenes.”
Zara’s agent was approached for comment last night.
Amanda abuse play
By Scarlet Howes
STRICTLY’S Amanda Abbington is to star in a new play about “women not being believed”.
The Sherlock actress, 50, says it reflects how she felt when she complained about Giovanni Pernice while competing on the BBC’s dance show.
Amanda left Strictly last year before claiming the Sicilian pro, right, mistreated her during rehearsals.
Giovanni, 33, has denied all of the allegations and the BBC’s investigation is still ongoing.
Amanda has now gone on to star in play What Happens To You.
She said: “I decided to make a complaint because it was an unworkable situation.
“It’s a play about a woman not being believed. It’s also about facing your fears.
“Telling this story is incredibly important and pertinent. I’ve always believed women should hold up women.”
The play will be at the Park Theatre in North London later this month.