Zara McDermott deletes Strictly post praising Graziano Di Prima after he’s accused of ‘hitting and kicking her’
ZARA McDermott has deleted a gushing post about her former Strictly Come Dancing partner Graziano Di Prima, according to reports.
The ex Love Island star, 27, had posted a montage of her time on the BBC show when she and Graziano were eliminated last year.
Zara had praised the Italian professional dancer for his “work ethic” and said they had shared “laughter every single day”.
But in the wake of Graziano’s sudden exit from Strictly amid claims he ‘kicked’ Zara during rehearsals, the post has vanished.
Zara had shared the picture montage after hers and Graziano’s elimination in Halloween Week last October.
The caption read: “From the day I met you Graz, you told me every day that I am strong, beautiful and confident.
“I believe that everything happens for a reason, and I know that we were meant to be friends for life. You have taught me so much about myself and our laughter every single day has brought me so much joy.”
She added: “I never got bored of spending over 12 hours a day with you, and your work ethic has inspired me beyond words.
“You made me believe in myself in those moments that I absolutely didn’t and the bond we have built is truly an unbreakable one.”
The Sun 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.
We exclusively revealed Strictly bosses received two complaints last year about Graziano’s ‘abusive training style’ towards Zara — but only issued warnings.
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.
Graziao joined the Strictly line-up in 2018 and was first partnered with DJ Vick Hope.
He was paired up with comedienne and Loose Women panelist Judi Love in 2021 and actress Kym Marsh the following year.
After news of Graziano’s exit was made public, the star spoke out.
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.”
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.”
Meanwhile, a host of stars have broken ranks to support the star.
But Zara and her boyfriend, former Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson, have now unfollowed him on social media.