Strictly star axed by BBC after ‘deeply regretful’ event
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Graziano Di Prima was removed from Strictly Come Dancing because of actions that he is very sorry for.
The series faced yet another crisis when it was revealed on Saturday (13 July) that Giovanni Pernice, the Italian dancer, had been removed from the show due to allegations of "serious wrongdoing".
Di Prima then informed his followers on social media that he would not be participating in the upcoming series, which is scheduled to start in September, even though he had been previously announced to be returning just last month.
In a post that has since been removed from Instagram, he expressed remorse for the circumstances that resulted in him leaving Strictly. He acknowledged that his strong desire to win may have impacted his training schedule.
I understand and respect the HR process at the BBC, but I believe it is best for the show if I remove myself. I am disappointed that I was not given the opportunity to provide a statement for the online news articles, and I understand the seriousness of the situation.
He continued: "There are additional details to this situation that I cannot talk about right now, but I promise to stay strong for my loved ones. I hope for nothing but the best for the Strictly family moving forward."
Some people who were working on the show have said that Di Prima left because of accusations about how he treated TV star Zara McDermott, who he was partnered with on the show last year. The specific claims were not disclosed.
It is not believed that McDermott made the accusation.
The ex-Love Island contestant had a challenging experience on the show, frequently finding herself in the nerve-wracking dance-off before being eliminated in the sixth week of the competition.
Following a very stressful day of practicing, McDermott responded to Di Prima after she posted a video of her sleeping, informing her followers that she had completed twice as much work as her partner.
McDermott shared with her followers that Graz had the nerve to complain about his sore legs after rehearsals, even though he spent half the day sitting and watching her practice the routine alone.
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The BBC stated that it will address any concerns raised with utmost seriousness and assured that prompt action will be taken if needed.
A representative stated that Graziano Di Prima will not be returning as a professional dancer for the next season of Strictly Come Dancing.
Although we cannot discuss specific cases, it is widely recognized that the BBC has strong and reliable procedures in place to ensure the well-being of all individuals involved. If any concerns are brought to our attention, we will address them promptly and with the utmost seriousness.
Di Prima wrote in the comments on the post, but it has since been removed: "I hope that the Strictly family continues to thrive in the future. I am grateful for all the support I have received throughout my career, both in my professional and personal life. I will share my journey when the timing feels right."
The Italian dancer became a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2018, where he was paired with DJ Vick Hope. In 2021, he danced with comedian and Loose Women star Judi Love, and in the next year, he made it to the quarter finals with actor Kym Marsh.
Pernice was let go from the series earlier this year, a few months after actor Amanda Abbington departed from the show only a few weeks into the latest season without acknowledging him in her farewell message.
Not long after that, Abbington asked for what was described as "stressful" video of her practices with Pernice for an alleged inquiry. In a recent conversation, the actress launched a new criticism of the Italian dance partner, saying he was "terrible" to a batch of past participants.
