Graziano to ‘sue the BBC’ as he ‘flees the UK’ amid Zara McDermott and Strictly claims

Former Strictly Come Dancing pro dancer Graziano Di Prima is reportedly set to take legal action against the BBC following claims that have been made about his treatment of his ex dance partner, Zara McDermott. It’s also been revealed that since the allegations came to light, he is planning to leave the UK and start a fresh in Italy.

Over the weekend, it was announced Graziano has been fired from Strictly for gross misconduct, and it’s been reported this was after bosses viewed footage of his training sessions with Zara, that “reduced them to tears”. Graziano has been accused of spitting at, hitting and kicking Zara, who he was partnered with in the last series of the show.

A source said: “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 [the BBC] did.”

via BBC

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

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Now, it’s been reported Graziano has plans to take legal action against the BBC in regards to his dismissal from the show. A friend of Graziano claimed to The Daily Mail: “There are questions over the BBC’s procedures, and how they operate behind the scenes. He believes that there is a lot of pressure on professionals to get nines or tens to entertain the audience.”

He claims he should have been “supported and helped” with his behaviour, and is reportedly “in bits” over what has happened, and “wishes he was offered anger management” before being sacked.

Graziano is also said to be planning to relocate to Italy, to “rebuild” his life after being sacked. He has apparently already started to pack up his life in the UK, and is going to start again in Italy alongside his wife Giada – who is also a dancer.

via Instagram

“Graziano is petrified and in a bad place,” an insider told The Sun. “He is being supported by his wife Giada and they are planning to pack up and move back to Italy. This has killed his career dead and he knows it. Going back to Italy for a new beginning is what is best for him and Giada.”

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.”

Related stories recommended by this writer:

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

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

• ‘Incredibly distressing’: Zara McDermott speaks out for the first time since Graziano claims