Zara McDermott has broken her silence after allegations made against her former dance partner Graziano Di Prima, as the scandal continues to unfold.
In shock news that broke just days ago, weeks after Strictly Come Dancing’s 2024 pro line-up was announced, the Italian dancer, 30, was dropped from the BBC One show.
He later released a statement saying he ‘deeply regrets’ his actions, as reports over his teaching methods and behaviour with Love Island star Zara, 27, emerged.
Graziano’s exit came amid turmoil that Strictly has been surrounded in for many months, following allegations made by Amanda Abbington against Giovanni Pernice and an investigation that followed.
It’s been claimed Graziano ‘kicked and hit’ Zara, and while they often posted on social media together throughout their time on the competition – which was won by Corrie’s Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola – in their latest post together, Zara worried about ‘doing something wrong’ and being told off by her dance partner.
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Zara feared ‘being summoned for doing something wrong’ by Graziano
As all the allegations against Graziano have emerged, it’s been reported that Zara has deleted recent posts including him from her Instagram feed, including one in which she reportedly called him an ‘amazing partner’ and said they ‘were meant to be friends for life’.
Their last post together which is still available on social media is a prank video taken during rehearsals for Strictly’s Halloween special.
In it, Zara unknowingly walks into a dressing room to meet Graziano, while fellow Strictly pro Kai Widdrington waits behind a wall to jump out and scare her.
At the time, the reality star admitted she feared being in trouble for doing something wrong when she saw the missed calls from her dance partner.
She commented on the video: ‘The way I walked in being like MY PHONE WAS IN MY POCKET cos I saw 5 missed calls and thought i was being summoned because I did something wrong xx.’
Graziano meanwhile had captioned it: ‘Finally I had my revenge!! She didn’t expect that at all!! thank you brother @kaiwidd.’
In November, Zara shared another post with her Strictly co-stars, captioned ‘Blackpool dump’ that did not feature Graziano.
She now no longer follows him on Instagram.
Graziano says he’s ‘so proud’ of Zara as they’re eliminated from Strictly
Zara and Graziano were the fifth couple to be eliminated from Strictly, leaving the competition on October 29, after the Halloween special.
They performed a Charleston to Jeepers Creepers and were in the dance-off against Waterloo Road’s Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk, but failed to win the public vote.
After their exit was announced, Zara said: ‘I have had the time of my life. Just to be here is incredible. Thank you to the judges and my amazing partner obviously.
‘My fellow contestants are just incredible. It has been the most amazing experience. I can’t believe it’s over but I am going to be here in spirit every week supporting them.’
Graziano told his dance partner that he was ‘so proud’ of her and said she is what Strictly ‘is all about’.
He explained: ‘She has been great for me 8am till 9pm. Never stopping, asking just for a half an hour break.
‘She is literally what Strictly is all about. A real novice, coming in, putting all the hard job.
‘You have such a good soul. You are so humble and I say thank you that I found a friend like you. I have learnt so much from you. And your hard work within six weeks.
‘You have never danced before. I am so proud of you. So proud of you honestly.’
Strictly investigation underway after allegations against Giovanni Pernice
Following claims about ex-pro dancer Giovanni Pernice made by Amanda Abbington – who quit Strictly after five weeks -, an investigation into Strictly launched.
The 33-year-old Italian dancer has denied accusations over recent months of inappropriate and controlling behaviour.
Sherlock star Amanda, 52, and two other women (rumoured to be Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh) made accusations of misconduct, which led to Giovanni stepping down from the show.
It was later claimed the investigation widened after more complaints about Strictly.
A source said: ‘This investigation is no longer just solely about Giovanni but other, more wider issues.
‘The show has been going for 20 years and the whole veneer of Strictly is so sparkly and lovely, of course there will always be people who feel hard done by.’
The insider added to The Mail: ‘Amanda’s complaints have started something massive, it has opened the door for others to come forward about things they haven’t been happy with.
‘It is all a big headache for the BBC, it is about to celebrate a massive milestone with its 20th anniversary.
‘Having the Giovanni complaint has been a big enough issue, but now it looks like there is more to be scrutinised and looked into.’
It was said the widened inquiry could see Giovanni as a ‘small fish’ in Strictly’s possible downfall.
Graziano dropped from Strictly weeks after line-up is confirmed
Despite being a part of the 2024 line-up, which also sees Amy Dowden return to the dancefloor, it was revealed on Saturday that Graziano had been dropped from the show.
The BBC confirmed the dancer’s departure and said in a statement to The Mirror: ‘We can confirm that Graziano Di Prima is no longer a part of the line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
‘While we would never comment on individual cases, it is well-known that the BBC has established and robust duty of care procedures, and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate.’
It was reported that there were ‘physical incidents’ involving Zara that were investigated internally, and that Graziano is facing allegations of ‘physical and verbal’ behaviour.
It was also suggested that the dancer was let go on Monday after the investigation.
One insider told The Mail on Sunday: ‘Graziano had to go. It has been awful.’
Graziano ‘deeply regrets’ his actions after firing
Following the news of his axe, Graziano, who joined Strictly in 2018, said he ‘deeply regrets’ his actions.
He said in a statement: ‘I deeply regret the events that led me 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 that it’s best for the show if 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 friends and family.’
‘I wish the Strictly family nothing but success in the future. I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally.
He concluded by saying: ‘When the time is right, I will share my story.’
Allegations emerge that Graziano ‘kicked and hit’ Zara during training
After confirming he had left Strictly, it was reported that there were ‘physical incidents’ that occurred behind the scenes, including claims Zara experienced repeated ‘physical and verbal abuse’.
According to The Mail on Sunday, it was alleged Graziano ‘kicked and hit’ the TV star during training.
When contacted for comment by Metro.co.uk, Graziano’s representative referred to the earlier statement that the dancer posted on Instagram.
Strictly stars show support for Graziano after his exit
Amid the allegations Graziano faced, some stars showed their support for Graziano on social media, including former Coronation Street actress Catherine Tyldesley.
‘What nooooo,’ she commented alongside heartbroken emojis after announcing he was leaving the show.
Strictly pros Neil Jones and Katya Jones also ‘liked’ his post, while 2019 winner Kelvin Fletcher replied with a love heart emoji.
During his time on Strictly, Graziano was also paired with Vick Hope, Judi Love, and Kym Marsh.
Graziano ‘planning legal action’ against Strictly
After the news of his axe, it was claimed Graziano is planning ‘legal action’ against Strictly, as he is said to believe more ‘support and help’ should have been offered after he was previously warned about his behaviour.
‘There are questions over their procedures, and how they operate behind the scenes. He believes that there is a lot of pressure on professionals to get nines or tens to entertain the audience,’ a friend of his told the Daily Mail.
A BBC insider meanwhile told the publication: ‘Why would any workplace, particularly one paid for by the public, offer support to someone who acted in an undoubtedly abhorrent manner?’
Amid the reports, it was also said he was ‘petrified and in a bad place’ and planning to move back to Italy with his wife.
Zara breaks silence after ‘distressing’ footage of ‘particular incidents’
Speaking out for the first time about the allegations, Zara posted a statement on Tuesday expressing how difficult she found it to watch ‘distressing’ footage of ‘particular incidents’.
Her statement in full read: ‘I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports.
‘Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV and one that I dreamt of being on since I was a little girl. When I was invited to be a contestant on the show it really was a childhood dream come true.
‘I fully understood the level of commitment and hard work that Strictly was going to be and I dedicated everything to it. I am a resilient person and I was fully prepared to put in whatever it took.
‘And so much of my Strictly experience was everything I could have dreamt of. The entire production team and everyone behind the scenes as well as my fellow contestants were so amazing to work with.
‘However, my experience inside the training room was very different. Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch.
‘I have wrestled with the fear of opening up – I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming. But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I’ve gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show.
‘The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak up, especially in a world where social media opinions and voices are so loud. This is something I’ve seen through working with countless women on my documentaries.
‘I would like to thank the BBC & BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me it really truly means a lot.
‘Love, always Zara.’
Strictly star ‘deletes message of support’
Following Graziano’s post, several celebrities liked his message in a sign of support, including Susannah Constantine.
She had also described Graziano as ‘sweet, kind, funny and thoughtful’ during her time on the show in 2018 – but the comment now appears to have been deleted.
Susannah, who was partnered with Anton Du Beke, had written: ‘What the hell??? You were always so sweet, kind, funny and thoughtful to me Graziano.
‘Be true to yourself. Cream always rises to the top. Loads of love xxxx.’
After Zara spoke out on Tuesday, it appeared Susannah’s comment had been deleted.
BBC takes action with steps to ‘strengthen welfare and support’
In a statement shared on Tuesday, the BBC announced it is taking additional steps to strengthen welfare and support on Strictly, including having a production team member present during training room rehearsals at all times.
After concerns in recent months over training and rehearsals, the corporation also said there would be an increase in existing support with the introduction of roles of Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer and further training for the production team and crew.
Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director of Unscripted, said: ‘Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for the vast majority of those who have taken part, if issues are raised with us, or we’re made aware of inappropriate behaviour, we will always take that seriously and act.
‘Concerns that have arisen have been fundamentally related to training and rehearsals. The decisive steps we have taken and are announced today, act to further strengthen the welfare and support in place for everyone involved with this production.’
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