Zara McDermott has spoken out about her time on Strictly Come Dancing following the departure of her former professional partner Graziano Di Prima, saying she “wrestled with the fear of opening up” due to concerns about “public backlash” and “victim shaming”.
In a statement on Instagram, the documentary maker and former Love Island star said her experience inside the training room was “very different” from the rest of the show, which she described as “magical”. She revealed there were witnesses and videos of “incredibly distressing” incidents.
McDermott thanked the BBC and BBC Studios for their “swift action and incredibly high level of support”. The BBC has said it takes any issues raised seriously and acts swiftly.
Di Prima, who was paired with McDermott in the 2023 series, confirmed his exit from the show on Saturday. In a subsequent statement, he said his “intense passion and determination to win might have affected” his training regime and that he was stepping away for the good of the show.
Reports suggest Di Prima is planning to leave the UK and return to Italy with his wife Giada, who dances on the Italian version of Strictly. A source told The Sun he is “petrified” and believes his career in the UK is over.
