Strictly stars risk wrath of BBC bosses as they support axed Graziano Di Prima after his social media return
STRICTLY stars risk the wrath of BBC bosses after throwing their support behind axed dancer Graziano Di Prima.
The 30-year-old was sacked from the show earlier this year after allegations of physical and verbal misconduct.
It centred around his partnership with Love Island’s Zara McDermott during last year’s series.
But as Graziano returned to social media this week, he was flooded with support from his former Strictly colleagues.
Vowing to continue to dance, he 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.
So far Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas as well as pro dancers Katya Jones and Nancy Xu have liked the post.
Beeb bosses previously told off Shirley, 64, after she spoke out in stern support of Giovanni Pernice following his departure.
They had banned show stars from speaking about the 33-year-old dancer during the BBC probe into his behaviour with Amanda Abbington.
At the time of his departure, Italian dancer Graziano 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.”
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.”
Strictly stars at risk of the axe in 2025
Gorka Marquez joined Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer in 2016 when he was partnered with EastEnders actress Tameka Empson. The following year he was partnered with singer Alexandra Burke. They reached the final and finished as one of the runners-up.
In 2020, he was partnered with actress Maisie Smith. Again, he made it to the final and finished as a runner-up.
He failed to make it third time lucky in 2022, finishing runner-up again with Helen Skelton.
Nadiya Bychkova joined the show in 2017 with EastEnders actor Davood Ghadami. The pair reached Week 11, finishing in 6th place.
Her best performance to date came in 2021 when she finished fifth with Dan Walker.
Neil Jones has been without a celebrity partner more times than he’s had one since joining in 2016.
His best finish was with ex-footballer Alex Scott in 2019, finishing in fifth.
Katya Jones was another 2016 addition and made an instant impression with politician Ed Balls. Their Gangnam Style routine is still a favourite to this day.
In 2017 she lifted the Glitterball with Joe McFadden.
The following year she was at the heart of a show scandal after snogging her dance partner, the comedian Seann Walsh.
Karen Hauer has been an ever-present since 2012.
Despite her lengthy association with the show, she’s never lifted the Glitterball. The closest she came was in 2020 when she finished runner-up with Jamie Laing.