CATH'S SHOCK
Devastated Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley supports Strictly’s Graziano after he’s axed from show
Another soap star has expressed their shock at the decision
FORMER Coronation Street star Catherine Tydlesley has backed Graziano Di Prima following his shock axing from Strictly.
The professional dancer, 30, was sacked from the BBC show after a misconduct investigation.
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We exclusively revealed how 'physical incidents' involving his former celebrity partner Zara McDermott led to his downfall.
Graziano released a statement today expressing "deep regret" over his actions.
His post was met by shock from his actress friend Catherine, 40, who commented: "What nooooo [heartbroken emojis]."
She then added: "You are the kindest, incredibly talented, most gentle man… I’m so sorry, sending you so much love xxxx."
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Catherine starred on Strictly in 2019 with Johannes Radebe and is best known for playing Eva Price for seven years between 2011 and 2018.
Former Holby City star and Loose Women panellist Chizzy Akudolu, 50, also commented: "Wait, WHAT??"
In a statement shared to 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."
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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."
We revealed how Graziano was given the boot from the show on Monday night.
The Italian dancer will not appear in the next series of the programme despite the Beeb announcing him in the line-up for this year's show.
An insider told us that his departure follows an internal investigation into a number of physical incidents involving Zara, who was partnered with him on last year's series.
The BBC today released a statement.
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The broadcaster said: “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.”
A Beeb source added to the The Sun: "They moved very quickly in this situation and have offered Zara support she needs.
"It's a shock for everyone involved."
Graziano's exit follows Giovanni Pernice's highly publicised departure from the BBC show.
Giovanni's former partner Amanda Abbington has taken legal action after she quit the show, citing "medical reasons".
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She has demanded the release of rehearsal footage from her time working with Giovanni, claiming it will prove her claims of misconduct in the practice room.
Giovanni, for his part, has denied any wrongdoing.
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that 'wishes her the best'.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: "Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni's dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda's PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni's training methods weren't acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn't feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a "nightmare situation".