A Coronation Street icon rushed to support ‘axed’ Strictly Come Dancing star Graziano Di Prima after BBC confirmed his departure.
The Italian professional dancer will no longer be appearing in the 20th series of the dancing show – despite being named in the line-up that was announced last month.
It’s alleged that Graziano was given the boot for misconduct towards 2023 dance partner Zara McDermott, where he is accused of inappropriate physical and verbal behaviour.
READ MORE: BBC release statement as Strictly star ‘axed’ following misconduct allegations
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Although Zara has yet to break her silence on the matter, Graziano quickly took to Instagram to speak of his departure from the show as the news broke.
And now celebrities and fans of Graziano flooded the comment section with words of support.
Amongst notable names, soap star Catherine Tydesley, who was on Strictly in 2019, said: “You are the kindest, incredibly talented, most gentle man…
(Image: Getty Images)
“I’m so sorry [broken heart emoji] sending you so much love xxxx.”
Fashion guru and former Strictly contestant Susannah Constantine added: “What the hell??? You were always so sweet, kind, funny and thoughtful to me Graziano.
“Be true to yourself. Cream always rises to the top. Loads of love xxxx”
While Emmerdale’s Kevin Fletcher simply posted a heart emoji in the comment section.
Yesterday (13 July), Graziano wrote: “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. 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.
(Image: BBC)
“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.”
The Strictly Come Dancing bombshell came after a ‘wider’ BBC investigation looking into the treatment of dancers. This is what led to the footage of Graziano and Zara’s training footage being examined.
BBC then took “swift” action to investigate the matter. The Sun reports that an insider said: “As part of a wider BBC investigation reports of Graziano’s behaviour came from multiple third-party sources — with multiple reports of physical and verbal abuse.
(Image: PA)
“Zara was seen stressed and upset at rehearsals and other celebrities were aware but no one reported it at the time. As soon as it came to light the BBC took swift action.
“She was invited in for an interview and she confirmed what had been reported, as well as other matters being revealed. She didn’t put in a formal complaint, but is now co-operating with the investigation.
“Graziano is said to have kicked, spat at her and hit her and there is a shocking video of one incident. Bosses have been shocked by what they have discovered.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
