Kym Marsh breaks her silence on Strictly scandal and 'defends' former partner Graziano Di Prima after he was axed for abusing Zara McDermott
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Kym Marsh has broken her silence on the Strictly Come Dancing scandal as she seemingly defended axed pro Graziano Di Prima.
The actress, 48, who was paired with the dancer in 2022, said she had the 'best of times' on the BBC show and was 'surprised' by the allegations made against her former partner.
In July, amid the series' ongoing misconduct probe, it emerged Graziano had been sacked for verbally and physically abusing Love Island star Zara McDermott during last year's rehearsals.
Speaking to The Sun Kym said: 'I'm reluctant to talk too much about someone else's experience. I had one of the best times of my life doing that show and it was amazing.
'I didn't have any experiences like we've heard. It definitely, definitely did not represent what I had experienced, no.'
![Kym Marsh, 48, has broken her silence on the Strictly Come Dancing scandal as she seemingly defended axed pro Graziano Di Prima, 30 (pictured together on the show in 2022)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/12/22/88457883-13736967-Kym_Marsh_has_broken_her_silence_on_the_Strictly_Come_Dancing_sc-m-109_1723499452875.jpg)
Kym Marsh, 48, has broken her silence on the Strictly Come Dancing scandal as she seemingly defended axed pro Graziano Di Prima, 30 (pictured together on the show in 2022)
![In July, amid the series' ongoing misconduct probe, it emerged that Graziano had been sacked for verbally and physically abusing Love Island star Zara McDermott during last year's series](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/12/22/88457877-13736967-In_July_amid_the_series_ongoing_misconduct_probe_it_emerged_that-a-111_1723499504156.jpg)
In July, amid the series' ongoing misconduct probe, it emerged that Graziano had been sacked for verbally and physically abusing Love Island star Zara McDermott during last year's series
When asked if she was surprised at the allegations made against Graziano, she answered: 'Yeah'.
Last month Graziano apologised for kicking Zara during rehearsals, with a spokesperson for him telling BBC News: 'There is never a time when kicking, or any sense of that is right. And he knows that.
He knows he's made a mistake. He apologised at the time.'
Referring to the media reports, Mark added: 'But he doesn't recognise some of the issues surrounding it. The descriptions of what is being commented online, and how he remembers it, are not aligned.'
He continued: 'He [Graziano] has literally cut himself off from civilisation. I think that's a wise thing to do, supported by his wife. He's coming to terms with his mental health issues.'
Graziano, who believed the matter had been resolved at the time, was sacked from the show after a video of the idea was brought to the attention of the BBC.
The investigation into his behaviour was triggered by Strictly's bid to clean up the show after fellow Italian Giovanni Pernice was accused of abusive behaviour by his 2023 dance partner Amanda Abbington, which resulted in him leaving the show. Giovanni denies the claims.
According to show insiders, video footage of Graziano mistreating Zara gave bosses no choice but to cancel his contract.
![Ky, who was paired with the dancer in 2022, said she had the 'best of times' on the BBC show and was 'surprised' by the allegations against her former partner (pictured together on the show)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/12/22/88457895-13736967-image-a-112_1723499951590.jpg)
Ky, who was paired with the dancer in 2022, said she had the 'best of times' on the BBC show and was 'surprised' by the allegations against her former partner (pictured together on the show)
![Saying: 'I didn't have any experiences like we've heard. It definitely, definitely did not represent what I had experienced, no'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/12/23/88457891-13736967-Saying_I_didn_t_have_any_experiences_like_we_ve_heard_It_definit-m-114_1723500000451.jpg)
Saying: 'I didn't have any experiences like we've heard. It definitely, definitely did not represent what I had experienced, no'
![Kym and Graziano finished sixth in the 2022 competition](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/12/23/88457767-13736967-image-a-129_1723500839759.jpg)
Kym and Graziano finished sixth in the 2022 competition
Addressing his departure on Instagram, Graziano wrote: '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.'
He concluded the post: 'I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.'
Meanwhile Zara broke her silence admitting she was scared to come forward and report Graziano over fears for her 'future'.
Also writing on Instagram, she said: '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.'
Zara explained that she didn't report the incidents at the time as she was 'scared' of backlash.
Instead it was junior production staff who came forward to share what they had witnessed as the investigation into Giovanni was taking place.
A source from the show told MailOnline: 'There were multiple occasions where both physical and verbal attacks were made. It was more physical than verbal, but all of it was dreadful.'
![Last month Graziano apologised for kicking Zara during rehearsals, with a spokesperson for him saying : 'There is never a time when kicking, or any sense of that is right. And he knows that](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/12/23/87502611-13736967-Graziano_Di_Prima_30_has_apologised_for_kicking_his_former_dance-a-115_1723500056513.jpg)
Last month Graziano apologised for kicking Zara during rehearsals, with a spokesperson for him saying : 'There is never a time when kicking, or any sense of that is right. And he knows that
![Graziano confirmed he did use abusive behaviour but claims he owned up to his 'mistake' and 'apologised' at the time](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/12/23/87387443-13736967-And_on_Thursday_Graziano_confirmed_he_did_use_abusive_behaviour_-a-116_1723500096097.jpg)
Graziano confirmed he did use abusive behaviour but claims he owned up to his 'mistake' and 'apologised' at the time
![Zara broke her silence on Tuesday, admitting she was scared to come forward and report Graziano over fears for her 'future'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/18/17/87388195-13648467-Zara_shared_that_while_much_of_her_time_on_Strictly_was_everythi-a-19_1721320586019.jpg)
Zara broke her silence on Tuesday, admitting she was scared to come forward and report Graziano over fears for her 'future'
Zara continued in her statement: '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.
'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 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 and BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as wel as everyone who has reached out to me - it really truly meas a lot. Love, always. Zara.'