In a stunning development that has rocked the world of ballroom dancing, Strictly Come Dancing professional Graziano Di Prima has been abruptly removed from the hit BBC series.
The decision comes following multiple complaints about the dancer's behaviour during intense training sessions with his celebrity partners. Sources close to the production describe the move as unprecedented in the show's long history.
Behind the Sparkle: Training Room Tensions
According to insiders, concerns were raised about Di Prima's "military-style" training methods and his approach to coaching celebrity contestants. The complaints reportedly detailed incidents that made some participants feel uncomfortable and pushed beyond reasonable limits.
A BBC spokesperson confirmed the departure, stating: "We can confirm that Graziano Di Prima has left Strictly Come Dancing. While we would never comment on individual cases, it is well-known that the welfare of everyone involved in the programme is of paramount importance to the BBC."
From Fan Favourite to Controversy
The Sicilian-born dancer first joined Strictly in 2018 and quickly became a viewer favourite known for his passionate performances and dramatic choreography. His partnership with radio presenter Richie Anderson in the 2022 series was particularly memorable, though rumours of backstage tensions had circulated at the time.
Di Prima's departure follows other high-profile exits from the show, including last year's controversy surrounding Giovanni Pernice, which highlighted the intense pressure celebrities face during the gruelling rehearsal schedule.
Strictly's Duty of Care Under Scrutiny
The latest incident has reignited discussions about the duty of care protocols on reality television competitions. Strictly operates with a comprehensive welfare system that includes:
- Dedicated support teams for all participants
- Regular welfare checks throughout the production
- Independent counselling services
- Strict guidelines on training hours and conditions
Despite these measures, the competitive nature of the show and the physical demands of ballroom dancing continue to create challenging environments for both professionals and celebrities.
What Next for Strictly's Lineup?
With the new series approaching this autumn, producers now face the task of reshuffling partnerships and potentially bringing in new professional dancers. The remaining roster includes favourites like Dianne Buswell, Karen Hauer, and Johannes Radebe, who will be tasked with maintaining the show's glittering reputation.
For Di Prima, the departure marks a dramatic fall from grace for a dancer who had become one of the programme's most recognisable faces. His future in British television remains uncertain as the industry absorbs the implications of his sudden exit.
