Strictly fans slam BBC and call for huge change to show after Graziano is sacked over Zara McDermott ‘abuse’ claims
STRICTLY fans have slammed the BBC and called for a huge change after Graziano Di Prima was axed from the show.
The professional dancer, 30, left the BBC competition following claims of gross misconduct towards his former celebrity partner Zara McDermott, 27.
Graziano is accused of kicking, spitting and hitting the former Love Island star at heated BBC rehearsals.
Bossed reportedly received two complaints last year about Graziano’s alleged “abusive” behaviour.
While Zara did not make an official complaint at that time, the pair looked frosty as they left a training session in West London in September.
Bosses contacted her after other contestants and production staff made allegations against Graziano.
Yesterday, the BBC confirmed that Graziano will not appear in the next series.
A source told The Sun after Strictly bosses sacked the Italian: “The footage has reduced those who have seen it to tears.
“Graziano has been accused of multiple physical and verbal incidents. The BBC had no choice but to sack him.”
His replacement will be new, not a show veteran.
Zara has yet to publicly comment on the scandal but has now distanced herself from the professional dancer on social media.
A TV source said: “It’s the biggest scandal to have hit the much-loved show as it approaches its 20th anniversary.”
Fans of the show have now called for the BBC to ensure that they train celebrities on the show.
Taking to Reddit, one person said: “This does show a real lack of training on the part of the BBC. It’s an intense experience for both parties and both need to be advised how to look after their own and each other’s wellbeing.”
Another said: “They might not have been aware but that doesn’t make it any better. Just shows how negligent the production team of Strictly are and that they’ve clearly created a toxic culture for people working on it.”
A third wrote: “I would be really interested to know what guidance the pros are given around their partner’s welfare and mental health.”
The shock allegations come during the inquiry into claims that another dancer.
Giovanni Pernice, 33, was accused of bullying actress Amanda Abbington, 50, in the last series.
Giovanni has strenuously denied any wrongdoing.
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.
