TELLING MOVE
Zara McDermott unfollows Graziano Di Prima after sacked star is accused of kicking her in rehearsals
Graziano spoke of his 'regret' in a statement after his sacking
ZARA McDermott has unfollowed Graziano Di Prima on Instagram after his sacking from Strictly Come Dancing.
The Love Island star, 27, is yet to publicly comment on the scandal but has now distanced herself from the professional dancer on social media.
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Zara does however still follow the Italian star's dancer wife, Giada Lini. Meanwhile, Graziano does not follow Zara either.
Last night we revealed Graziano, 30, has been accused of 'physical incidents' with Zara in rehearsals during their time together on the programme last year.
A source said: “The footage has reduced those who have seen it to tears.”
Graziano was sacked for gross misconduct amid claims he hit, spat and kicked dance partner Zara.
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The BBC yesterday confirmed the Italian will not appear in the next series.
“Graziano has been accused of multiple physical and verbal incidents. The BBC had no choice but to sack him.”
Senior executives were locked in crisis talks yesterday afternoon over our revelations.
Zara has instructed lawyers to act for her.
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Ten million watch Strictly every week and a TV source said: “It’s the biggest scandal to have hit the much-loved show as it approaches its 20th anniversary. Graziano will never be appearing on the show again. They had to act.”
The shock allegations emerged during the inquiry into claims that another Italian star, Giovanni Pernice, 33, bullied actress Amanda Abbington, 50, on the last series.
Strictly Star axed
Giovanni has strenuously denied any wrongdoing.
The BBC had widened that investigation to look into the treatment of other dancers.
Zara did not make an official complaint at that time, though last September she and Graziano looked frosty as they left a training session in West London.
Bosses contacted the ex-Love Island star and documentary maker after other contestants and production staff made allegations against Graziano.
An insider said: “As part of a wider BBC investigation reports of Graziano’s behaviour came from multiple third-party sources — with multiple reports of physical and verbal abuse.
“Zara was seen stressed and upset at rehearsals and other celebrities were aware but no one reported it at the time.
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“As soon as it came to light the BBC took swift action.
“She was invited in for an interview and she confirmed what had been reported, as well as other matters being revealed.
“She didn’t put in a formal complaint, but is now co-operating with the investigation.
“Graziano is said to have kicked, spat at her and hit her and there is a shocking video of one incident. Bosses have been shocked by what they have discovered.
“Zara has had an incredibly tough few weeks and has been trying to put on a brave face for work engagements.
She was in a difficult position with nowhere to turn
Zara Insider
“Her boyfriend (I’m A Celebrity winner) Sam Thompson has been supportive towards her.”
Asked why Zara didn’t speak out before, an insider said: “Zara was too scared to say anything about what she had encountered.
“She was in a difficult position with nowhere to turn.
“There was also an element of coercion too.”
DISMISSED
Graziano had his BBC contract terminated when spoken to on Monday. That day Strictly announced pro Aljaž Škorjanec was returning to the show two years after he quit, raising questions about who he was replacing.
Yesterday afternoon — moments after the BBC confirmed his sacking — Graziano shared a statement on Instagram, saying: “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.
“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. 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.”
Last month the BBC named Graziano in the line-up for the next series.
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The Sicilian-born star joined Strictly in 2018.