Sam Thompson steps out for brunch with brother-in-law Ryan Libbey after BBC bosses sack Graziano Di Prima for 'punching and kicking' Zara McDermott on Strictly Come Dancing
Sam Thompson was accompanied by his brother-in-law on Sunday after a former Strictly Come Dancing professional was accused of 'punching and kicking' his girlfriend during her time on the show.
The Made In Chelsea star ventured out with personal trainer Ryan Libbey, husband to his older sister Louise, as BBC bosses dealt with another behind-the-scenes controversy on their flagship show.
Italian ballroom specialist Graziano Di Prima has been sacked from the long-running Saturday night staple over allegations of physical abuse while partnered with TV personality Zara McDermott in 2023.
The former Love Island contestant's five-year relationship with Thompson has also been scrutinised over recent weeks, amid claims the couple - who have not been seen together since the beginning of July, despite sharing a home - are holding 'crisis talks.'
Emerging on Sunday, Thompson, 31, checked his phone while stepping out for brunch with Libbey, a former Made In Chelsea co-star.
Sam Thompson was accompanied by brother-in-law Ryan Libbey on Sunday after a Strictly professional was accused of 'punching and kicking' his girlfriend during her time on the show
The Made In Chelsea star ventured out with Libbey, husband to his older sister Louise, as BBC bosses dealt with another behind-the-scenes controversy on their flagship show.
The Mail on Sunday exclusively revealed that McDermott, who starred alongside Di Prima in last year's series of Strictly, was victim to repeated physical and verbal abuse ongoing attacks behind the scenes of the Saturday night show.
It is the latest blow suffered by the BBC show, which is still watched by more than ten million people, as allegations against fellow Strictly star Giovanni Pernice are still being investigated.
A message on Di Prima's Instagram said: 'My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.'
The professional dancer joined Strictly in 2018 and was last year partnered with McDermott, but they were eliminated in week six.
He was previously paired with presenter Vick Hope, Loose Women star Judi Love and in 2022 he reached the quarter-final with actor Kym Marsh.
Di Prima's wife, fellow Italian Giada Lini, who also danced as a professional on Strictly, has yet to speak out about her husband's untimely departure.
He continued on Instagram: 'While respecting the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it's only right for the sake of the show that I step away. I am saddened that I wasn't allowed to offer a quote to the online news stories, and I take on board the sensitivity of the situation.
'There's more to this story that I am unable to discuss at this time, but I am committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family nothing but success in the future.'
Emerging on Sunday, Thompson checked his phone while stepping out for brunch with Libbey, a former Made In Chelsea co-star
McDermott, pictured with her Strictly Come Dancing partner Graziano Di Prima before they were eliminated during Halloween week
The complaint was made recently and prompted the BBC to extend the inquiry that was ongoing over claims that Giovanni had bullied his partner Amanda Abbington during training.
Sources on the show say that Di Prima's behaviour makes Abbington's claims that Pernice bruised her toe during rehearsals seem 'miniscule.'
A source said: 'It was during that meeting that it all unfolded.'
One source said: 'It seems that whatever Gio has done it opened a can of worms.
'It is incredibly brave of Zara to have come forward, it is never easy for a woman or indeed anyone who has been mistreated to do that.'
The complaint was not made by McDermott herself but followed a number of Strictly's production staff raising Di Prima's behaviour with bosses.
The Mail on Sunday exclusively revealed that McDermott, who starred alongside Di Prima in last year's series of Strictly, was victim to repeated physical and verbal abuse ongoing attacks
A message on Di Prima's Instagram said: 'My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime'
BBC chiefs then contacted her management and she was invited in to be interviewed about his behaviour.
McDermott rose to fame on Love Island and has since become a documentary presenter for the BBC.
In 2021, she revealed how revenge porn had made her consider suicide after a boy shared naked pictures of her around their school when she was just 14.
Thompson, won ITV's I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in 2023, beating the likes of Tony Bellew and Nigel Farage to claim King of the Jungle.
