Graziano Di Prima is reportedly fleeing the UK after he was axed from Strictly.
On Saturday (July 13), the Italian dancer was fired by the BBC over reports he verbally and physically abused his celebrity partner Zara McDermott, 27, last year. Hours after it was announced, the 30-year-old shared an emotional statement expressing his “deep regrets.”
Now an insider has claimed the pro dancer – who joined the dance competition back in 2018 – has gone into hiding. It is understood the star is jetting back to Italy in the hopes of a fresh start in sunnier climates.
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A source told The Sun: “Graziano is petrified and in a bad place. He is being supported by his wife Giada and they are planning to pack up and move back to Italy.
(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
“This has killed his career dead and he knows it. Going back to Italy for a new beginning is what is best for him and Giada.” Graziano tied the knot to Giada in a lavish ceremony in Sicily in 2022, seven years after they got together.
Just two weeks before he was fired from Strictly, the couple admitted in a joint interview with OK! Magazine that they found being apart in their busy schedule was difficult. He told the publication: “Strictly changed my life.
“But at the same time, I am apart from my wife. It’s one of the toughest times. Strictly takes every minute of your life. From the moment you start until December, you work and live for Strictly.”
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
It comes after claims that the dancer is planning to sue the BBC following his sacking, according to MailOnline. According to the publication, the Sicilian dancer believes he should have been “supported and helped” with his behaviour after bosses warned him about his treatment with the former Love Island star.
But a BBC insider told the outlet that the flagship channel will fight back. They explained: “Why would any workplace, particularly one paid for by the public, offer support to someone who acted in an undoubtedly abhorrent manner?”
It comes after Zara McDermott broke her silence on the controversy on Tuesday (July 16). She explained that despite how much she loved performing on the show, things changed when she stepped into the rehearsal studios with the pro dancer.
(Image: Instagram)
She wrote: “My experience inside the training room was very different. Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch.
“I have wrestled with the fear of opening up – I was scared about the public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming. But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I’ve gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show.
“The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak up, especially in a world where social media opinions and voice are so loud.” 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
