Inside Zara McDermott’s friendship with Graziano DiPrima’s wife before Strictly star’s shock statement and firing

GRAZIANO Di Prima’s wife Giadi Lini has taken the decision to unfollow Zara McDermott on Instagram after the reality star called out her shocking behaviour during Strictly rehearsals.

Giada, 32, and Zara, 27, were introduced by Graziano, 28, and it seems they instantly hit it off.

Speaking on her Hits Radio show in September, Zara’s boyfriend Sam Thompson opened up about the foursome enjoying nights out outside of the show.

He said: “Graziano, what a charming man!

“What a handsome man too… big muscles, about 6’4”, muscular and a year younger than me too, which is terrifying.”

He continued: “He came over for dinner with his lovely, beautiful wife not long ago – we made him spaghetti – and we found out a lot about him.

“He grew up in Sicily, he was a grape crusher – I think that’s what they call it!

“He gave his parents a roof over their heads when he started dancing, he has an incredible story, he’s the sweetest man.”

The Italian dancer was later axed from the show after devastating allegations of misconduct towards Zara came to light.

Last week, Love Island star Zara released a statement saying she was “afraid to speak out” and was “struggling with the fear of opening up”.

Following this damning statement, Graziano’s wife, Giada Lini, showed her support for her husband by unfollowing Zara on Instagram.

She was following Zara on the platform until last week.

But surprisingly, Zara continues to follow Italian dancer Giada.

She continues to follow Giovanni Pernice, who is also the subject of an investigation on the BBC dance show.

The Made In Chelsea star’s ex-boyfriend Sam also cut ties with Graziano on Instagram.

Graziano is said to be terrified and devastated after being fired, and to have returned to Italy with Giada to start his life over.

Graziano and Giada have been a couple for nearly a decade and tied the knot in 2022 at the 14th-century Falconara Castle in Sicily, which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea.

He proposed to Giada on stage during the Burn The Floor dance tour in Watford in 2019.

Graziano had joined the Strictly line-up the previous year and was initially paired with DJ Vick Hope.

He was linked to comedian and Loose Women panellist Judi Love in 2021 and actress Kym Marsh the following year.

OUT OF THE SHOW

The professional dancer also stressed that he and his wife “have principles” when training begins, dismissing any speculation that he could be hit by the Strictly curse.

He said: “We do the same job, we are professional dancers.

“We respect each other and have principles, and we try to share everything we go through during the season with each other.

“Giada is my best friend, she knows everything.

“When you don’t want to do things the wrong way, you don’t even think about it.”

Speaking to OK!, the dancer also explained that it can be difficult to spend time away from his wife Giada Lini due to the intense nature of training.

He said: “It’s mixed feelings because it’s the most wonderful time and I’m doing what I love most. I’m so lucky; Strictly has changed my life. But at the same time, I’m separated from my wife.

“It’s one of the hardest times. Strictly takes up every minute of your life.”