STRICTLY bosses received two complaints last year about Graziano Di Prima’s abusive training style towards Zara McDermott — but only issued warnings.
Pro Graziano’s sacking was revealed at the weekend, with the BBC insisting it acted swiftly after seeing video footage of the abuse.
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Strictly bosses were warned TWICE about Graziano Di Prima ‘abuse’ before dancer was sacked for ‘kicking’ Zara McDermottCredit: PA
Graziano could have been axed within 24 hours but bosses needed to speak to ZaraCredit: Splash
Yet insiders say no serious action was taken over the complaints raised last autumn, included allegations he hit, kicked and spat at Zara.
Graziano, 30, was fired after the claims against him emerged in the inquiry into fellow Italian pro Giovanni Pernice’s behaviour towards Amanda Abbington on the same series.
That probe began in May and Giovanni denies wrongdoing.
A source said last night: “This is a complete mess, and an unmitigated, utterly unprecedented disaster for the BBC.
“Graziano has held up his hands and admits his behaviour was extreme and unacceptable.
“He knows there is no return and quite rightly. Yet why was no action taken sooner to nip this situation in the bud?
“Graziano feels if he had received proper support and some sort of anger management training, an escalation could have been prevented.
“For the Beeb’s part, Graziano was not the only dancer being spoken to and they had absolutely no idea about the alleged kicking — which it is claimed happened twice — and as soon as they were alerted, they took decisive action and fired him.
“Graziano is in bits. He is being monitored 24/7 by his wife Giada and mum who has moved in to take care of him.
“This whole Strictly fiasco is getting increasingly toxic, and the BBC finds itself trying to complete an investigation while overseeing duty of care to all.”
The Sun on Sunday revealed Graziano had been sacked for gross misconduct.
We can also reveal it took just four days to axe him.
On Thursday, July 4, bosses were shown shocking video of clashes with ex-Love Islander Zara, 27.
They then held talks with Zara, but it was just before a weekend — and HR rules meant Graziano also had to be spoken to in person. He was then sacked on Monday, July 8.
An BBC insider said: “There was no procrastinating. The video evidence was completely and utterly undeniable. It only showed one incident, but it quickly became apparent from talking to Zara that verbal and physical abuse allegedly took place multiple times. She was incredibly brave.”
Last week it was announced ex-pro Aljaz Skorjanek is returning — which sparked speculation it was for Graziano. But Aljaz was rehired to replace Giovanni, as they are the same height.
Graziano’s replacement will be new, not a show veteran.
The BBC did not comment.
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Ten days ago bosses were shown shocking video of Graziano’s clashes with ex-Love Islander ZaraCredit: Dan Charity
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Graziano was fired after allegations against him emerged in the inquiry into Giovanni Pernice’s behaviour towards Amanda Abbington on the same seriesCredit: PA
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Source: The Wall Street Journal
