Axed Strictly star Graziano Di Prima vows to dance on after Zara McDermott scandal as he’s backed by show pro
AXED Strictly star Graziano Di Prima has vowed to dance on after his Zara McDermott scandal – and he’s even been backed by a show pro.
Graziano, 30, was sacked by the BBC earlier this year following allegations of physical and verbal behaviour.
He moved back to his native Italy from the UK and has stayed off social media.
However, tonight Graziano felt compelled to break his silence and shared a video of himself dancing with his wife Giada Lini, a cast member on Strictly’s Italian counterpart.
In footage interweaved with his childhood dancing videos, the pair performed to Andra Day’s Rise Up on a bridge for the Instagram post.
Graziano looked suave as he bared his chest in a black shirt and trousers, while Giada opted for a gorgeous green gown.
The video ended with a shot of them on the cusp of kissing.
Graziano wrote in his caption, in both English and Italian, about his optimism for the future, teasing future projects and thanking those who have supported him.
He said: “Dance has always been the center of my life, my greatest passion, the path I chose and dedicated years of study, sacrifice, and love to.
“After a period of reflection, I feel stronger than ever and eager to return to what I love most: dancing.
“The future is a whole world of new open windows, ready to welcome new dreams and new challenges, and I’m excited to continue this journey with even more determination and inspiration.
“A heartfelt thank you to everyone who is always there for me.
“I’m thrilled to dance again with the same enthusiasm and dedication as always.
“See you soon, whether on stage or through new projects that I will be very excited to share with you.”
Graziano received support from Nancy Xu, who inserted a string of purple hearts in the comments section.
The TV personality was sacked from Strictly following claims he’d hit, spat at and kicked Zara during rehearsals.
He has since admitted to kicking her by mistake but branded other claims “vile and false”.
Graziano said in a statement: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly.”
The Sun also revealed that Zara had broken a leg bone in a tough training session during the show last year.
Graziano has since returned to his normal job, working for £6 an hour on a farm in his native Italy.
Yet he has hit back at the “shocking” way the pair’s friendship came to an end.
He told how “these vile, false allegations ruined my life in a matter of minutes — professionally, financially, psychologically and reputationally.”
Meanwhile, former Love Island star previously insisted the Strictly production team and those behind the scenes were “amazing to work with”.
However she added that her “experience inside the training room was very different”.
Zara explained: “There were witnesses to some events as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch.”
She signed off: “I would like to thank the BBC & BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me – it really truly means a lot.
” Love, always. Zara.”
Graziano Di Prima - Strictly statement in FULL
GRAZIANO Di Prima has addressed his Strictly Come Dancing sacking with a statement on social media - see the details below.
In a statement shared to his Instagram page Graziano wrote: “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.”
He continued: “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.”
He concluded the post: “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.”