Moment Strictly finalist collapsed after pro ‘wouldn’t let her eat lunch’ as show rocked by Graziano Di Prima scandal
A FORMER Strictly Come Dancing star collapsed during training after she ‘wasn’t allowed to eat lunch’.
EastEnders’ Maisie Smith shared a photo of her lying on the floor after rehearsals during her time on the programme.
Strictly has been rocked by scandal in the last few months after Graziano Di Prima was axed.
Maisie was partnered with Gorka Marquez in 2020 and shared her journey with followers.
In one snap she appeared exhausted as she ‘collapsed’ on the floor after training.
In the photo she laid on her back and wrote: “If your rehearsals don’t end up like this you’re doing it wrong.”
Gorka revealed the actress had skipped her lunch break so she could keep working.
He told Entertainment Daily UK: “Rehearsal day we were on lunch break, well we were on lunch break, she’s been practising the whole lunch break.
“I don’t know if I need to do another lunch break or just crack on.
“She’s been there for the last 45 minutes – great student.”
In another Instagram story she asked Gorka: “Is it lunch yet?”
Gorka replied: “No, we’re going to do it one more time.”
Shocked Maisie asked: “With the lifts and everything?”
Sweaty Gorka told fans: “I feel like I’ve been in the the shower” as he showed off his drenched shirt.
In another story, she joked: “He’s broken me.”
Maisie made it all the way to the finals but lost out to Bill Bailey.
Graziano Di Prima told of his “deep regret” over claims he had kicked, hit and spat at celebrity dance partner and ex-Love Islander Zara McDermott during training — allegations that led to his sacking.
Zara recently broke her silence on the scandal, admitting she was concerned about the public backlash.
In her statement, Zara said: “Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch.
“I have wrestled with the fear of opening up – I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming.
“But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I’ve gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show.”
Zara added: “The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak up, especially in a world where social media opinions and voices are so loud.
“This is something I’ve seen through working with countless women on my documentaries.
“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.”
It comes after fellow pro Giovanni Pernice — whose celeb pairings have included Amanda Abbington, Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore — was dropped amid stories suggesting he had pushed some stars too hard.
It has been reported that Sherlock actress Amanda suffered mild post-traumatic stress disorder after practising for hours on end with Giovanni.
