Strictly Come Dancing professional Graziano Di Prima denies misconduct towards his partner Zara McDermott. He is alleged to have been dropped following an internal BBC investigation

Graziano Di Prima has been sensationally dropped from the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing, with the Italian dancer saying he “deeply regrets the events” that led to his exit.

It’s alleged the dancer has been dropped from the BBC show following allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards his dance partner Zara McDermott during last year’s series of the competition.

Despite being announced as part of the line-up for the 20th anniversary series set to begin with weeks.

The BBC confirmed on Saturday that the 30-year-old Italian dancer will no longer be appearing in the next series of the popular programme due to air this autumn.

Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Graziano confirmed the reports about his Strictly exit are true and told his followers: “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. 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 friends. I wish the Strictly family nothing but success in the future.”

In a statement issued minutes on from Graziano posting on Instagram, a spokesperson for the BBC said: “We can confirm that Graziano Di Prima is no longer a part of the line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. While we would never comment on individual cases, it is well-known that the BBC has established and robust duty of care procedures, and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate.”

Graziano’s reported dismissal adds to the ongoing crisis BBC bosses are facing regarding the future of Strictly Come Dancing. Despite celebrating its 20th year on air, with anniversary celebrations planned for later this year, the star-studded show has been plagued with drama over recent months.

2023 contestant Amanda Abbington has reportedly requested access to her Strictly Come Dancing training tapes following a series of complaints about her dance partner Giovanni Pernice’s alleged “threatening and abusive behaviour”. Giovanni has previously denied all claims made against him.

The Italian dancer, who recently quit the BBC show and will not return for this year’s season, has been at the centre of an internal investigation after several behind-the-scenes complaints from Amanda and others following her early exit from the competition last year.

Amid the investigation, Amanda’s team reportedly requested footage of her training sessions with the 2022 Strictly champion. However, according to an insider, Giovanni has blocked Amanda’s attempts to obtain the tapes. The source told The Sun earlier this month: “Amanda and her legal team asked to have access to the tapes. The BBC contacted Giovanni and his legal team to get their consent but they refused. Amanda’s legal team are now weighing up an appeal to the Information Commissioner’s Office to get access to the evidence as they think it is vital in helping support her claims.”

Giovanni has previously struck back against the allegations, firmly denying any wrongdoing in an lengthy social media post at the early stages of the crisis. “He claims the allegations are false – she insists they will ­validate every one of her grievances”, the source continued. To be clear, the BBC are reviewing the tapes and taking them very seriously. But there are data implications to them ever being leaked so they are in an unenviable position.”

Despite quitting Strictly, Giovanni has remained on good terms with the show’s biggest stars – in particular head judge Shirley Ballas. The Mirror revealed earlier this month that Shirley had been ordered by BBC bosses to “rein it in” when it comes to chatting about Giovanni and the ongoing investigation.

Fuming over her comments about Giovanni while she was on the circuit promoting her new book, BBC bosses are concerned about the sensitivity of the accusations levelled at the former Strictly professional. An insider revealed to the Mirror: “Shirley has been told she needs to rein it in and not talk about Giovanni in the context of the case. It’s such a complex thing that we can’t have people associated with the show speaking out about it.”

The Mirror disclosed details of a public event where Shirley hinted that “the truth will come out,” insisting she had never witnessed any inappropriate behaviour from the dancer. At an event in Chorleywood Memorial Hall, Hertfordshire, while promoting ‘Murder on the Dance Floor’, she expressed: “I know he is a hard worker.”

“He wants the people to do the very best that they can do… so my feeling for Giovanni is, let them do this investigation or whatever it is… and the truth will come out. So we don’t judge anybody until I know absolutely 100%. I won’t pass on the gossip unless I know 100% it is true. I have never ever, ever experienced any ill will or bad feeling or bad sportsmanship or rudeness from him. He will be missed.”

Giovanni also previously dismissed claims that he was “abusive or threatening” after concerns were raised about his conduct. In a statement, Giovanni stated: “I am co-operating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth. As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth. I’m so happy to be back on tour. Thank you all for your continued support. Your messages and love mean so very much. I will hopefully see many of you soon.”

Strictly judges Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse are also seemingly standing by Giovanni, and Anton Du Beke, who is currently on tour with the former Strictly professional, is set to join his dance classes come September.

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Source: New York Post