One of Strictly Come Dancing ’s professional dancers who won the BBC competition has given a three-word defence of Graziano Di Prima after he faced allegations of abuse. Last year, Di Prima, 30, was partnered up with former Love Island star Zara McDermott , 27, on the show, becoming the fifth couple to be eliminated. Months later, it was claimed that there were ‘physical incidents’ between the pair, including allegations that he ‘kicked and hit’ her.
McDermott said in a statement posted on Instagram that there are ‘videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch’, while Di Prima stated: ‘I deeply regret the actions that led to my departure from Strictly.’ Talking to the Daily Mail , the Italian said that he’s ‘not a monster’ and ‘not an abusive man’, adding: ‘I wasn’t meaning to kick her. I’d never, never do that.
My foot brushed her after I kicked the floor.’ Join Metro's Strictly community on WhatsApp Want to be the first to get all the latest news and rumours from the Strictly dancefloor? Join our Strictly Come Dancing WhatsApp channel to keep up to date with all the behind-the-scenes gossip about your favourite pros, judges and celebrities. Simply click on this link , select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers.
Keep dancing! Vito Coppola, 31, who’s been on Strictly since 2022, has spoken out in defence of Di Prima in .