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Graziano Di Prima has been abandoned since Strictly Come dance on “events” that he “deeply regrets.”
In what became another disaster for the series after a controversy surrounding Giovanni PerniceIt was reported on Saturday (July 13) that Di Prima had been axed from the series due to allegations of “serious misconduct”.
Di Prima then told his social media followers that he would no longer be part of the next series, which is set to begin in September – despite in confirmation process to return last month.
He wrote in a now-deleted Instagram post: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from StrictlyMy intense passion and determination to win may have affected my training schedule.
“While respecting the BBC’s HR process, I recognise that it is entirely right, for the good of the programme, that I step down. I am saddened that I have not been allowed to offer a quote to the online news articles, and I recognise the sensitivity of the situation.”
He continued: “There is more to this story that I cannot discuss at this time, but I am committed to being strong for my family and friends. I welcome Strictly family, nothing but success in the future.”
It has been claimed that Di Prima’s departure followed unspecified allegations made by people working on the show who had observed Di Prima rehearsing with the TV star. Zara McDermottwith whom he was partnered in last year’s series.
Members of the production team have reportedly spoken out after an investigation into the series was launched to investigate Pernice, who left the show last month.
McDermott has not made the allegation, but was recently invited by BBC producers to talk about her experience, a source told The sun The footage, which shows Di Prima’s alleged treatment of McDermott, “brought tears to those who saw it.”
The old one The Island of Love star had a tumultuous time on the show, regularly finding himself in the dreaded dance round until his elimination in week six of the competition.
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After a particularly stressful day of rehearsals, McDermott responded to Di Prima when the latter shared a video of her nap, telling her followers that she had done “double the workload” of her partner.
“Graz had the audacity to call me and tell me his legs hurt after rehearsal yesterday, when he spent 50% of the day sitting down analyzing me doing the routine by myself,” McDermott wrote to his followers.
The BBC said it would take all concerns raised “seriously” and promised “swift action” would be taken if necessary.
“We can confirm that Graziano Di Prima is no longer part of the list of professional dancers for the next series of Come and dance in a pinch” said a spokesperson.
“While we never comment on individual cases, it is well known that the BBC has robust due diligence procedures in place, and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly if necessary.”
Di Prima wrote under the post, which has now been deleted: “I wish that the Strictly family only success in the future. I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time comes, I will share the story of [my] journey.”
The Italian dancer has joined Strictly in 2018 and teamed up with DJ Vick Hope. In 2021, he performed with comedian and Women in freedom star Judi Love and, the following year, reached the quarter-finals with actress Kym Marsh.
Pernice was written out of the series earlier this year, months after actress Amanda Abbington left the show a few weeks into the final season without thanking him in her farewell message.
Shortly after, Abbington asked for what was described by one source as “tense” footage of his rehearsals with Pernice for an alleged investigation. In a recent interview, the star launched a new attack on the Italian professional dancer, claiming that he was “horrible” towards a group of former candidates.
On Sunday (July 14), in a new interview, the Sherlock actor shed light on his “horrible” Strictly experience.
The next series of the show will begin in September – and the latest rumour about the contestants is something that might leave long-time fans of the series rather bored.