Former Strictly Come Dancing contestants, including a winner, have supported Graziano Di Prima after the dancer was axed over “deeply regretful events” . Di Prima, the Italian professional dancer who has appeared on the BBC series since 2018, was let go after a reported investigation into his alleged treatment of TV personality Zara McDermott . Members of the production team are believed to have spoken out after an investigation into the series was launched after a scandal involving Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice , who officially left the show last month.
Abbington has since said her time on the show was “tough” and “horrible” . McDermott did not make the allegation, but was reportedly invited by the BBC to discuss her experience. It was claimed by a source speaking to The Sun that footage showing Di Prima’s alleged treatment of McDermott “reduced those who have seen it to tears”.
Di Prima wrote on Instagram: “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. “While respecting the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it’s only right for the sake of the show that I step away.
I am saddened that I wasn’t allowed to offer a quote to the online news stories, and I take on board the sensitivity of the situation.” He went on: “There’s more to this story that I am unable to discuss at this time, but I am committed to being strong for my family and fri.