STRICTLY bosses were “overjoyed” that Zara McDermott attended the opening show of the series, the Sun can reveal. BBC execs think her decision to show up has helped “lift the cloud” hanging over the show. Viewers were left shocked earlier this year when Graziano Di Prima was sacked for "gross misconduct" after footage emerged showing his treatment of Zara .
The former Love Island star was left traumatised by the incident which came as bosses probed claims Giovanni Pernice had bullied Amanda Abbington . The BBC are still yet to announce their findings on those allegations. But a source said Zara’s decision to attend last week and take a seat in the audience to support pal Pete Wicks has eased pressure on the programme.
Read more on Strictly The BBC insider said: “One of the claims that’s been leveled at the BBC , especially in relation to the Giovanni probe is that they’re not doing things properly or by the book. “But the fact Zara has come back to the show and been willing to be a part of the Strictly family again paints a very different story. “She’s been very happy at how the BBC has handled the whole thing.
That’s why she was willing to come back.” Graziano was sacked from Strictly following claims he'd hit, spat at and kicked Zara during rehearsals . Most read in News TV He has since admitted to kicking her by mistake but branded other claims “vile and false”.
He said in a statement: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure fro.