Strictly Come Dancing star Zara McDermott gave a candid insight into working with Graziano Di Prima prior to his shock axe from the show.

The Italian star was confronted by BBC bosses following an internal investigation and his contract was terminated. The bold move came after Graziano was confirmed to be on the line-up of professionals this year and he was preparing to find out his latest partner in the coming weeks.

An insider from the show stated: “Graziano had to go. It has been awful,” while the Italian pro dancer himself admitted: “My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime”.

During a last year when Zara and Graziano last year were performing together on the hit BBC show, the pair discussed their working partnership.

When asked about learning dance routines, the former Made in Chelsea star said Graziano would talk her through it.

I have been the biggest fan of the show since I was seven years old, so the fact that I’m actually in this experience learning how to dance is just incredible,” Zara told OK! magazine.

Talking about his partnership with Zara, Graziano said: “You cannot compare us with anybody else she has never danced before… this is her journey, she has just this chance to learn how to dance. I want to make it the most memorable and fun thing she will remember forever.”

Zara added: “In the world of Strictly, anything can happen. You never know how long or short your journey is going to be. But all I know is that we are putting in all the hours, all the effort and we’re doing our absolute best. And that’s all I could possibly ask for.”

Graziano concluded by saying: “What more can you ask for, than a student like that? She’s giving everything, a perfect answer, 10 out of 10.”

Graziano and Zara wound up in the bottom two during their time in the comeptition ( 
Image:
PA)

Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima in the dance studio ( 

The news broke on Friday that Graziano has severed ties with the controversy-ridden show following allegations of physical and verbal behaviour towards his dance partner Zara. Graziano and former Love Island star Zara – who is currently dating Sam Thompson – were paired up in the 2023 series of the show.

Since then, Graziano shared his serious regret over the events leading to his exit from the popular BBC dance show.

Posting on Instagram, he said to his fans: “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. While respecting the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it’s only right for the sake of the show that I step away.”

He added, “I am saddened that I wasn’t allowed to offer a quote to the online news stories, and I take on board the sensitivity of the situation. There’s more to this story that I am unable to discuss at this time, but I am committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family nothing but success in the future,”

Graziano was announced as part of the 2024 line-up back in May. However, it’s been revealed today that his spot has been withdrawn by show bosses.

In a statement, the BBC 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 and robust duty of care procedures, and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate.”

Graziano’s reported exit has also coincided with Strictly’s announcement that their much-adored pro Aljaz Skorjanec had made a comeback to the show two years after he left.

OK! has contacted the BBC as well as representatives for Graziano and Zara for comment.