Strictly’s Graziano is ‘in bits’ and ‘being monitored 24/7’ following Zara McDermott claims

Former Strictly Come Dancing pro Graziano Di Prima is said to be “in bits” following being sacked for gross misconduct after footage of his rehearsals with Zara McDermott and abuse claims came to light.

This weekend it was revealed he had been immediately sacked from the show, after he was accused of kicking, hitting and spitting at his former partner Zara. This came after footage from their rehearsals was viewed, as part of a wider investigation into the show.

The footage is said to have left BBC staff who viewed it “in tears” and a source added: “As soon as it was viewed, it was game over for Graziano. His Strictly career was dead and buried and there was never any way back. Everyone’s stomachs just dropped when the footage became available, and our hearts went out to Zara who clearly had been suffering in silence. The key then was to act promptly, which they [the BBC] did.”

via Instagram

Now, Graziano is said to be “in bits” over what’s happened and is “being monitored 24/7” by his wife and mother. A source told The Sun: “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.

Most Read

People have spotted a huge I’m A Celeb editing error proving a bushtucker trial was staged

Finally, Adam has actually addressed the rumours he and Amy are dating after MAFS UK

All the mega-famous actors who also auditioned for each Wicked role

“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.”

via BBC

Graziano has made a statement about the claims following his sacking from Strictly, which said: “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. Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.

“While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future. I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.”

The BBC released a statement which confirmed Graziano would no longer be in the professional dancer lineup for the show, and it’s been reported Zara is “cooperating with the investigation”.

Related stories recommended by this writer:

• ‘Stomachs dropped’: Details of Zara and Graziano footage that ‘left Strictly staff in tears’

• Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott are ‘in crisis talks’ and she’s ‘walked out on him’

• Wait, Love Island finalists Shaq and Tanya have secretly split up?!