Axed Strictly Come Dancing professional Graziano Di Prima revealed how he was getting ready for his seventh season on the show this year, before he was dropped from the line-up. Just last month, the 30-year-old was confirmed as one of the professionals who would be returning to this year's special 20th anniversary series. However, last week the BBC announced that he would not be returning following allegations about his behaviour towards 2023 celebrity partner Zara McDermott .
The Italian dancer has since released a statement saying he "deeply regrets" the events that led to his departure. Just months before he was due to return to the dance floor, Graziano shared how he prepares for the tough training schedule that comes with the show. Speaking on the Pink Mondo podcast in January, he said: "I know I've got a massive job from now, jumping to other jobs until June.
I have to force myself to stop and take a break because then the next season is coming back and I want to be in the best shape of form, physically and mentally." He added that spending time with his family in Italy and visiting vineyards is his ideal way to relax. At the time, Graziano was preparing for his tour 'Believe' with his wife Giada Lini, before joining the Strictly Come Dancing Professionals tour across the nation.
Post-tour, he returned to his home country and on June 10, he excitedly shared that he would be returning to Strictly. Just a month later, however, allegations surfaced that Graziano had kicked.