Zara McDermott speaks about ‘distressing’ Strictly Come Dancing incidents

McDermott appeared with Di Prima on final 12 months’s collection of the BBC One present.

She added: “After a variety of conversations with these I like, I’ve gained the energy to face these fears, and after I was requested to talk to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the present.

“The tradition inside our society makes it tough for individuals to talk up, particularly in a world the place social media opinions and voices are so loud. That is one thing I’ve seen by means of working with numerous girls on my documentaries.

“I want to thank the BBC & BBC Studios for his or her swift motion and extremely excessive stage of assist, in addition to everybody who has reached out to me – it actually really means loads.”

In his assertion on Saturday, Di Prima mentioned: “I deeply remorse the occasions that led to my departure from Strictly.

“My intense ardour and willpower to win might need affected my coaching regime.

“Respecting the BBC HR course of, I perceive it is best for the present that I step away.

“Whereas there are features of this story involving exterior influences that I can not focus on right now, I stay dedicated to being robust for my household and buddies.”

He added: “I want the Strictly household and the BBC nothing however success sooner or later.

“I additionally wish to thank everybody who has supported my profession, each professionally and personally.

“When the time is correct, I’ll share my story.”

On Tuesday, a BBC supply mentioned no complaints have been made towards Di Prima throughout final 12 months’s collection of Strictly.

They mentioned a producer who attended a rehearsal did ask Di Prima to be extra thoughtful together with his coaching, and that the matter was resolved on the time to everybody’s satisfaction.

The BBC is known to be contemplating inserting members of the manufacturing group in rehearsal rooms to behave as chaperones sooner or later.

On Saturday, a BBC spokesperson mentioned: “We will affirm that Graziano Di Prima is now not part of the line-up {of professional} dancers for the upcoming collection of Strictly Come Dancing.

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

Di Prima’s departure comes after one other skilled dancer, Giovanni Pernice, left the present following reviews about his instructing strategies on the present.

Pernice has rejected “any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour”.