Zara McDermott and boyfriend Sam Thompson snub Graziano Di Prima after he’s sacked from Strictly
ZARA McDermott’s boyfriend Sam Thompson has snubbed Graziano Di Prima after he was sacked from Strictly Come Dancing.
Pro Graziano, 30, is accused of allegedly kicking and spitting at the ex-Love Island star, 27, at heated rehearsals, with the BBC insisting it acted swiftly after seeing video footage of the abuse.
Zara is yet to publicly comment on the scandal but has now distanced herself from the professional dancer on social media.
Her former Made In Chelsea star boyfriend Sam, 31, has now followed suit and has unfollowed the Italian dancer on Instagram.
Sam looked jovial as he appeared on Love Island spin-off Aftersun on Sunday, despite the shock revelation as he continues to support his girlfriend.
At the weekend, we revealed Graziano has been accused of ‘physical incidents’ with Zara in rehearsals during their time together on the programme last year.
A source said: “The footage has reduced those who have seen it to tears.”
Graziano 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 Sun also revealed that Strictly bosses received two complaints last year about Graziano’s abusive training style towards Zara.
A source said last night: “This is a complete mess, and an unmitigated, utterly unprecedented disaster for the BBC.
“Graziano has held up his hands and admits his behaviour was extreme and unacceptable.
“He knows there is no return and quite rightly. Yet why was no action taken sooner to nip this situation in the bud?
“Graziano feels if he had received proper support and some sort of anger management training, an escalation could have been prevented.
“For the Beeb’s part, Graziano was not the only dancer being spoken to and they had absolutely no idea about the alleged kicking — which it is claimed happened twice — and as soon as they were alerted, they took decisive action and fired him.
“Graziano is in bits. He is being monitored 24/7 by his wife Giada and mum who has moved in to take care of him.
“This whole Strictly fiasco is getting increasingly toxic, and the BBC finds itself trying to complete an investigation while overseeing duty of care to all.”
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.
“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 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.”
DISMISSED
Graziano, who joined the show in 2018, 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.