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

This weekend it has been revealed that pro dancer Graziano Di Prima has been sacked from Strictly Come Dancing after bosses were shown footage from his rehearsals with previous dance partner, Zara McDermott.

Footage has been seen by bosses of the show, following previous allegations against other pro dancer, Giovanni Pernice. Giovanni has been accused of bulling on the show, which he has denied. As part of the ongoing investigation, the BBC began trawling through footage of the dancing pros and their partners.

Graziano has been accused of kicking Love Island star Zara, and the footage has reportedly left everyone at Strictly who has watched it “in tears”. Graziano is also accused of hitting and spitting at Zara, and has since been sacked for gross misconduct.

The Sun is reporting bosses of the show were “in crisis talks” over the footage this weekend, and a source added: “The footage has reduced those who have seen it to tears.”

An insider added: “As part of a wider BBC investigation reports of Graziano’s behaviour came from multiple third-party sources — with multiple reports of physical and verbal abuse.

“It’s the biggest scandal to have hit the much-loved show as it approaches its 20th anniversary. Graziano will never be appearing on the show again. They had to act.”

via BBC

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A further source added: “As soon as it [the footage] 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 did.”

Zara did not make an official complaint at that time, but has since unfollowed her former partner on Instagram and is said to be “cooperating with the investigation”. It’s been reported Zara was asked to come into the BBC to discuss Graziano after production staff independently voiced concerns, and she has since had a discussion with BBC investigators, which included two former Met police officers.

The source added: “Zara was seen stressed and upset at rehearsals and other celebrities were aware but no one reported it at the time. As soon as it came to light the BBC took swift action.

“She was invited in for an interview and she confirmed what had been reported, as well as other matters being revealed. She didn’t put in a formal complaint, but is now co-operating with the investigation.

“Graziano is said to have kicked, spat at her and hit her and there is a shocking video of one incident. Bosses have been shocked by what they have discovered. Zara has had an incredibly tough few weeks and has been trying to put on a brave face for work engagements.”

Asked why Zara didn’t speak out at the time, an insider said: “Zara was too scared to say anything about what she had encountered. She was in a difficult position with nowhere to turn. There was also an element of coercion too.”

via Instagram

Graziano has made a statement following his sacking, 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.”

This weekend the BBC confirmed the pro will not appear in the next series, and released a statement which said: “We can confirm that Graziano Di Prima is no longer a part of the line-up for the upcoming series. While we would never comment on individual cases, it is well-known the BBC has established robust duty of care procedures, and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate.”

Related stories recommended by this writer:

• Zara spoke of gruelling Strictly days with Graziano that ‘put her through pain again and again’

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

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