Former Strictly player Graziano Di Prima breaks silence after sacking, shares 'deep regret'

AXED Strictly star Graziano Di Prima has broken his silence after being fired from the BBC show.

The professional dancer, 30, said he “deeply regrets” the events that led to his departure from the show, exclusively revealed by The Sun earlier today after “physical incidents” involving his former celebrity partner Zara McDermott.

Graziano Di Prima has broken his silenceCredits: Getty

He was fired after an incident involving his former partner Zara McDermottCredit: PA

Graziano and Zara seemed to get along well during their time on the showCredits: instagram

The show is still mired in the fallout from the Giovanni Pernice scandalCredit: PA

In a statement shared on his Instagram, Graziano wrote: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win may have affected my training schedule.

“In accordance with the BBC’s HR process, I understand that it is best for the show that I step down.”

He continued: “While there are aspects of this story involving outside influences that I cannot discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.

“I wish the Strictly family and the BBC every success in the future.”

He concluded his message by saying, “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.”

It comes as The Sun reported on Monday evening that Graziano had been axed from the show.

The Italian dancer will not appear in the next season of the programme despite the BBC announcing his presence.

A source told us his departure follows an internal investigation into a number of physical incidents involving Zara, who was his partner in last year’s series.

The BBC released a statement today.

The broadcasting giant said: “We can confirm that Graziano Di Prima is no longer part of the line-up of professional dancers for the next series of Strictly Come Dancing.

“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.”

A BBC source added to The Sun: “They responded very quickly to this situation and offered Zara the support she needed.

“It’s a shock for everyone involved.”

Graziano’s departure follows the high-profile departure of Giovanni Pernice from the BBC show.

Giovanni’s former partner Amanda Abbington filed a lawsuit after she left the show, citing “medical reasons”.

She demanded the release of rehearsal footage of her work with Giovanni, claiming it would prove her claims.

Giovanni, for his part, has denied any wrongdoing.

Giovanni Pernice Strictly Scandal Timeline

October 2023:Amanda abruptly pulls out of Strictly after already missing a live concert. Her departure is announced in a vague statement from the BBC, which “wishes her the best”.

Giovanni posted a short message on social media to mark her exit, writing: “Amanda… I’m so sad that we can’t continue, but I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and I’m sending you lots of love.”

Amanda then shared her own farewell statement on Instagram, thanking her co-stars but neglecting to mention Gio.

Piero, Giovanni’s father, assured that there were no signs of a break-up and that the couple could have gone all the way. He praised his son for his kindness and politeness.

November 2023:Giovanni is said to be distraught over the situation and is considering his future on Strictly as questions arise over his conduct.

January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis is revealed and she demands surveillance cameras of the rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods were not acceptable.

The BBC issued a statement defending its duty of care to candidates, insisting it takes any allegations of wrongdoing very seriously.

Corporation backs its man after emergency meeting

March 2024: Giovanni publicly states that he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with his close friend Anton du Beke.

Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the scene. The two celebrities, who previously worked with Giovanni on Strictly, reportedly did not feel the BBC was taking their concerns with his methods seriously enough.

The couple have a closed-door meeting with Amanda where tears are said to have been shed.

May 2024: We reveal that Giovanni is leaving the program after having discussions with the show’s managers

He leaves the country with his girlfriend Molly Brown on vacation

The BBC has launched an internal investigation after three complainants called in lawyers, with one source describing the situation as a “nightmare”.