Is Graziano Leaving Strictly Come Dancing? What Did Graziano Do to Zara?
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Updated Jul 16, 2024
Is Graziano Leaving Strictly Come Dancing?
Yes, Graziano Di Prima is leaving Strictly Come Dancing. Reports indicate that the decision to remove the Italian professional dancer from the show was made by BBC bosses after viewing footage of an altercation with his former dance partner Zara McDermott.
Di Prima announced his departure from the program without initially providing a reason but later addressed the incident through his instagram post, expressing regret over the events that led to his exit. He stated that his intense passion and determination to win might have impacted his training regime. The BBC confirmed that Di Prima will not be part of the upcoming 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C9XQ7NgCnCo/
What Did Graziano Do to Zara?
Graziano Di Prima's departure from Strictly Come Dancing is linked to multiple incidents involving his dance partner for the 2023 series, Zara McDermott. According to The Sun, there was an altercation between Di Prima and McDermott, which reportedly reduced those who viewed the footage to tears.
The specifics of the altercation have not been made public, and the video has not been republished. Di Prima and McDermott were eliminated from the competition in the fifth week of the show last year. Despite the rumors, no further official details about the incident have been confirmed.
Who is Graziano?
Graziano Di Prima, born on May 7, 1994, is a distinguished Italian dancer and choreographer celebrated for his remarkable talent and captivating performances. He has made a significant mark in the dance world with his innovative choreography and dynamic presence.
Known for his role as a professional dancer on the popular UK television show "Strictly Come Dancing", Graziano has garnered widespread recognition and a dedicated fan base.
His artistic creativity and passion for dance have earned him accolades in various stage productions and international competitions, including representing Belgium at the World Championships.
| Full Name | Graziano Di Prima |
| Born | 7 May 1994 (age 30) |
| Birthplace | Sicily, Italy |
| Occupation | Dancer, Choreographer |
| Known For | Strictly Come Dancing |
| Wife | Giada Lini |
| Height | 1.8 m |
https://www.instagram.com/p/C5tiaaiC27Z/
Who is Zara McDermott?
Zara Nicole McDermott is an English media personality who rose to fame as a contestant on the fourth series of Love Island in 2018. Before her television career, she worked as a policy advisor for the Department for Education. McDermott further expanded her presence on television by appearing on The X Factor: Celebrity in 2019 and Made in Chelsea from 2019 to 2020.
She has also produced and presented several BBC documentaries. Zara McDermott competed in the twenty-first series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2023, partnered with professional dancer Graziano Di Prima. Initially, their partnership seemed promising, but reports emerged alleging that Di Prima had verbally and physically abused McDermott during their training sessions.
These claims included accusations of Di Prima repeatedly kicking and hitting McDermott, which reportedly reduced witnesses to tears. Following these allegations, Di Prima was dropped from the show. He later expressed deep regret over the incident, acknowledging that his intense passion and determination to win might have negatively impacted his conduct.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cyq1sl0oBIm/
Graziano's Career With Strictly Come Dancing
Graziano Di Prima, an Italian dancer and choreographer, joined the cast of professional dancers on the British television show Strictly Come Dancing in 2018. His first celebrity partner was radio DJ Vick Hope. Despite not having a celebrity partner in the subsequent two years, he remained a prominent figure on the show.
In 2021, he danced with comedian and Loose Women host Judi Love, and in 2022, he joined the Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals Live Tour. Di Prima has also made appearances on BBC Two's Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two with Zoë Ball and holds a Guinness World Record for performing the most Botafogo steps, with 90 steps in 30 seconds, achieved in December 2019.
For the 2021 Christmas special, Di Prima danced with singer Anne-Marie and won. He also participated in the 2023 Christmas special with news presenter Sally Nugent, finishing as a runner-up. In 2024, despite being initially confirmed to return for the twenty-second series, it was later announced that Di Prima would not be returning to the show following allegations of misconduct. He expressed deep regret for his actions that led to his departure.
Graziano Di Prima's notable partnerships on Strictly Come Dancing include:
- Series 16: Vick Hope (Radio DJ)
- Series 19: Judi Love (Comedian & Loose Women panelist)
- Series 20: Kym Marsh (Actress & Morning Live presenter)
- Series 21: Zara McDermott (Media personality and television presenter)
Will Graziano Return to Strictly Come Dancing?
Graziano Di Prima will not be returning to the dance floor for the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing. On Saturday, July 13, the BBC announced that Graziano would not be part of the upcoming season.
This decision followed allegations that the dancer had hit and kicked his celebrity partner, Zara McDermott, during their time competing in the previous year. The reports of this misconduct ultimately led to the BBC's decision to remove him from the show.
