Strictly star Graziano Di Prima axed by BBC after Zara McDermott claims

Graziano Di Prima has been dropped from Strictly Come Dancing over “occasions” he “deeply regrets”.

In what has develop into one more catastrophe for the sequence after an issue surrounding Giovanni Pernice, it was reported on Saturday (13 July) that Di Prima had been axed from the sequence over claims of “gross misconduct”.

Di Prima then advised his social media followers he would not be part of the forthcoming sequence, which is about to start in September – regardless of being confirmed to return final month.

He wrote on Instagram: “I deeply remorse the occasions that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense ardour and willpower to win may need affected my coaching regime.

“Whereas respecting the BBC HR course of, I acknowledge it’s solely proper for the sake of the present that I step away. I’m saddened that I wasn’t allowed to supply a quote to the web information tales, and I tackle board the sensitivity of the scenario.”

He went on: “There’s extra to this story that I’m unable to debate at the moment, however I’m dedicated to being robust for my household and pals. I want the Strictly household nothing however success sooner or later.”

It’s been claimed Di Prima’s departure adopted unspecified allegations made by these engaged on the present who had noticed Di Prima’s rehearsals with TV star Zara McDermott, whom he was partnered with on final yr’s sequence.

Members of the manufacturing workforce are believed to have spoken out after an investigation into the sequence was launched over a scandal involving Pernice, who left the present final month.

McDermott didn’t make the allegation, however was reportedly invited by the BBC to debate her expertise. It was claimed by a supply talking to The Solar that footage exhibiting Di Prima’s alleged therapy of McDermott “diminished those that have seen it to tears”.

open picture in gallery

The previous Love Island star had a tumultuous time on the sequence, often ending up within the dreaded dance-off till her elimination in week six of the competitors.

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers solely. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews till cancelled

Attempt totally free

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers solely. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews till cancelled

Attempt totally free

After one notably aggravating day of rehearsals, McDermott hit again at Di Prima when the latter shared a video of her napping, telling her followers she had finished “double the workload” of her associate.

“Graz simply had the audacity to name me and inform me his legs harm after rehearsals yesterday when he spent 50 per cent of the day sitting down and analysing me doing the routine by myself,” McDermott wrote to her followers.

The BBC mentioned it might take any points that had been raised “severely” and promised “swift motion” can be carried out if neccessary.

“We are able to affirm that Graziano Di Prima is not part of the line-up {of professional} dancers for the upcoming sequence of Strictly Come Dancing,” a spokesperson mentioned.

open picture in gallery

“Whereas we’d by no means touch upon particular person instances, it’s well-known that the BBC has established and sturdy responsibility of care procedures, and if points are raised we are going to all the time take them severely and act swiftly as acceptable.”

In a photograph caption that has now been deleted, Di Prima wrote: “I want the Strictly household nothing however success sooner or later. I additionally need to thank everybody who has supported my profession, each professionally and personally. When the time is correct, I’ll share the story of [my] journey.”

The Italian dancer joined Strictly in 2018 and was partnered with DJ Vick Hope. In 2021, he carried out with comic and Free Girls star Judi Love and, the next yr, reached the quarter-finals with actor Kym Marsh.

open picture in gallery

Pernice was dropped from the sequence earlier this yr months after actor Amanda Abbington left the present weeks into the newest sequence with out thanking him in her goodbye message.

Shortly after, Abbington requested what was described by a supply as “tense” footage of her rehearsals with Pernice for a supposed investigation. In a latest interview, the star launched a recent assault on the Italian dancing professional, claiming he was “terrible” in the direction of a bunch of former contestants.

On Sunday (14 July), in a brand new interview, the Sherlock actor make clear her “horrible” Strictly expertise.

The subsequent sequence of the present will begin in September – and the newest contestant hearsay is one that may go away long-time followers of the present feeling somewhat irritated.