Graziano Di Prima sacked from Strictly Come Dancing just 12 hours after bosses saw Zara McDermott training video

16 July 2024

Graziano Di Prima was sacked just 12 hours after ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ bosses saw footage of his training sessions with Zara McDermott.

Graziano Di Prima was sacked after Strictly bosses saw the video of him training with Zara McDermott

Executives on the BBC One Latin and ballroom competition ruled it “game over” for the 30-year-old pro after watching videos of him teaching the 27-year-old reality TV star - who has now spoken to the Metropolitan Police about her experience - as their “stomachs dropped” witnessing how he treated her, which included allegations of hitting and kicking.

A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: “As soon as it was viewed, it was game over for Graziano. His 'Strictly' career was dead and buried and there was never any way back. Everyone’s stomachs just dropped when the footage became available, and our hearts went out to Zara who clearly had been suffering in silence.”

Insiders at the show - which Graziano and Zara placed fifth last season - added that they had no idea that this was how Graziano behaved behind the scenes and that action was made quickly after he issued an apology following his dismissal.

Graziano - who joined the programme in 2018 - said on Saturday (13.07.23): “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.”

The dancer added that there were elements to the saga “involving external influences” that he was unable to talk about, saying: “When the time is right, I will share my story.”

Graziano’s departure from ‘Strictly’ - which is marking 20 years on the air later this year - comes after it was confirmed that Giovanni Pernice is not returning as a professional dancer as he is currently under investigation for his teaching methods following complaints from ex-partners like Amanda Abbingdon, 50, Laura Whitmore, 39, and one other anonymous person.

The 33-year-old dancer strenuously denies the allegations, saying: “I have always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour.”

The show - which boasts a judging panel of Shirley Ballas, 63, Anton Du Beke, 57, Motsi Mabuse, 43, and 59-year-old Craig Revel-Horwood - is getting a whole host of familiar faces back after they confirmed the return of professionals Alijaz Skorjanec, 34, after two years away and Amy Dowden, 33, after she battled against breast cancer.