Strictly Come Dancing favourite Graziano Di Prima has broken his social media silence with a heartfelt apology after his sudden and controversial exit from the hit BBC series. The professional dancer's departure sent shockwaves through the Strictly community just days before the new season's launch.
Emotional Social Media Statement
Taking to Instagram, the 30-year-old dancer shared an emotional message with his 193,000 followers, expressing deep regret about the circumstances surrounding his departure. "I'm incredibly sad to be leaving the show under such difficult circumstances," Di Prima confessed in his first public statement since the news broke.
The Italian dancer, who joined Strictly in 2018, went on to thank the entire Strictly family and the BBC for the opportunities he'd been given throughout his six-year tenure on the popular dancing competition.
Behind the Scenes Investigation
Reports suggest Di Prima's exit follows an internal BBC investigation into allegations of misconduct during training sessions with his 2023 celebrity partner, Zara McDermott. The former Love Island star reportedly raised concerns about the professional's behaviour, triggering the corporation's review process.
While specific details remain confidential, sources indicate the investigation uncovered evidence that ultimately led to the BBC's decision to part ways with the dancer.
Strictly Come Dancing Responds
A BBC spokesperson confirmed Di Prima's departure, stating: "We can confirm that Graziano Di Prima is no longer a part of the line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series. While we would never comment on individual cases, it is well-known that the BBC has a duty of care to all those involved in our productions."
The statement continued: "We only make decisions after thorough processes are followed. We sincerely thank Graziano for his dedication and contribution to Strictly over the years.
Future Uncertain for Dancing Star
In his emotional statement, Di Prima hinted at the personal toll the situation has taken, mentioning his wife Giada Lini and suggesting he needs time to process recent events. The dancer, who married Lini in 2022, expressed hope that the truth would eventually emerge.
As Strictly prepares for its 2024 season, the professional dancer lineup will see some adjustments, with Di Prima's absence creating an unexpected vacancy just weeks before filming begins.
