BBC Strictly Come Dancing bosses ‘not aware’ of Graziano Di Prima’s behaviour before Zara video

Corporation bosses claimed they were unaware of the alleged physical violence towards Zara McDermott until shocking footage emerged, sources have confirmed.

BBC chiefs were reportedly unaware of Graziano Di Prima’s alleged physical behaviour towards Zara McDermott until shocking footage surfaced, according to insiders.

Sources within the Corporation have stated that immediate and decisive action was taken as soon as they were informed.

Zara was asked to come into the BBC to discuss Graziano after production staff independently voiced their concerns, the Mirror reports.

It is reported that she had a candid discussion with BBC investigators, which included two former Met police officers.

Strictly Come Dancing’s Shirley Ballas backs Giovanni Pernice as BBC probes allegations

Zara suffered in silence (Image: Getty Images for BAFTA)

The dancer stands accused of hitting, kicking and even spitting at her. Video evidence of one such incident emerged, which insiders say was the “final straw for Graziano.”

BBC sources claim that no prior action was taken because nobody was aware of the physical nature of the allegations.

BBC executives believe that Zara must have been enduring her ordeal in silence after viewing the footage. An insider revealed: “As soon as it was viewed, it was game over for Graziano.

“His Strictly career was dead and buried and there was never any way back. Everyone’s stomachs just dropped when the footage became available, and our hearts went out to Zara who clearly had been suffering in silence. The key then was to act promptly, which they did.”

Several BBC executives were reportedly “flabbergasted” by what they witnessed and promptly sacked Di Prima for gross misconduct.

An inside source revealed: “They are continuing to support Zara as there is a clear duty of care there, not least as she does a lot of work still with the BBC. They just want to do the right thing.”

Graziano Di Prima has now been dropped from the 2024 Strictly line up (Image: BBC)
Giovanni Di Prima has expressed deep regret over the incidents that led to his dismissal. The professional dancer from Italy admitted in a statement released on Saturday that his “intense passion and determination to win might have affected” his training routine while participating in the renowned dance competition.

Confirming his departure, the BBC made it clear that Di Prima would not be part of the 2024 professional line-up and assured that any concerns brought to their notice are always taken seriously and appropriate action is swiftly taken.

Di Prima echoed the sentiment on Instagram, writing: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly.

“My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime. Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.

“While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.

“I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future. I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.”

Graziano joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2018 and has been partnered with radio DJ Vick Hope, Loose Women panellist Judi Love, actress and TV presenter Kym Marsh and Love Island star Zara McDermott over the years.

A BBC spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Graziano Di Prima is no longer a part of the line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.

“While we would never comment on individual cases, it is well-known that the BBC has established robust duty of care procedures, and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate.”

It comes after it was confirmed that Giovanni Pernice will also not be part of the 2024 line-up of professionals amid allegations about his abusive teaching methods which he has strongly denied.

Pernice previously said in a statement that he is cooperating fully with an ongoing BBC investigation and that he looks “forward to clearing my name”.