Former Strictly star Kym Marsh once called off rehearsals after a severe panic attack.
The former Coronation Street star was coupled up with Graziano Di Prima when she appeared on the 18th series of the BBC show. At the time, the actress confessed that she struggled to cope under the pressure of the competition.
At one point the star suffered from such bad anxiety that she was left in tears backstage during the show. In reports from November that year, Kym – who has been open about her history with anxiety and depression – was left struggling to breathe while producers attempted to calm her down.
READ MORE: Zara McDermott sprawled on floor in Strictly rehearsal with Graziano Di Prima
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Eventually, the rehearsal was called off completely so that she could recover in time to dazzle viewers with her performance that weekend. After taking a break to relax, Graziano and Kym wowed viewers with their Quickstep to Ballroom Blitz by Sweet.
(Image: PA)
An onlooker said at the time: “She was very upset she just couldn’t stop crying and hyperventilating. In the end there was no choice but to stop rehearsals.
“Kym doesn’t mind admitting she suffers from anxiety and panic attacks. That sort of thing can catch her out.” After Kym was booted from the competition, she was seen in floods of tears during her final appearance on the Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two.
She declared Graziano as “one of her family members” and even arranged sleepovers with the Italian dancer because they got so close. Kym gushed: “I have genuinely met a very unique person.
(Image: PA)
“You are a very special man and I will never forget what you’ve done for me on this journey. You’re incredible.”
Graziano branded the TV star a “friend for life” as he added: “I’ve been waiting for a really good season on Strictly for four years, and it sounds really crazy, I know we rehearse a lot, but I had the best time, and it’s because of her.”
It comes after the Italian dancer was removed from this year’s line-up following allegations of “gross misconduct”. Last year, Graziano was partnered up with Zara McDermott, and in front of the cameras the pair appeared to be close friends.
(Image: PA)
But last week, BBC bosses axed the dancer hours before they confirmed that Aljaz Skorjanec would be returning to the dance competition. On Tuesday (July 16), Zara McDermott finally broke her silence following the claims and admitted that she “wrestled with the fear of opening up”.
Graziano apologised in a public statement, admitted that his “passion and determination to win might have affected [his] training regime.” Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
