Graziano di Prima’s second Strictly partner has broken her silence after the dancer was fired.
Di Prima, 30, was a fan favourite amongst the professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing. However, allegations came to light of the star mistreating dance partner Zara McDermott in rehearsals, which led to BBC bosses giving him the sack.
Zara has already spoken publicly about her experiences, saying that while her overall experience was positive, watching footage back of the rehearsals had been particularly traumatising for her. Now, a second partner has come forward to break her silence on Graziano’s sacking.
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Coronation Street icon Kym Marsh danced alongside Graziano for during the 2022 season of the show. The pair raced through the competition, making it all the way to the quarter-final before the couple were eliminated.
(Image: PA)
Marsh bravely admitted that during the course of the show, she suffered heavily from “anxiety” and “panic attacks”. However, she was quick to insist that this was not down to Graziano – in fact, the Italian pro had helped to calm her down more than anything.
Her time on the show came at the same time her beloved dad was in poor health in the run-up to his tragic death. As well as this, Marsh’s hectic filming schedule for BBC drama Waterloo Road also impacted her ability to perform – but she looked back on her experience with fondness.
“Strictly is a very intense thing to do. It’s a wonderful thing to do, but it’s also very intense. You’re going out live to the nation every weekend,” she reflected in an interview with the Express.
(Image: BBC)
“I was quite anxious at that point, but Graziano was wonderful. Him and his wife, they’ll be my friends forever. I absolutely adore them both and they were both very, very supportive and brilliant.”
Since their time on the show, Graziano and Kym have remained good friends, with the Sicilia star roping his wife in to share a message of love and support to the ex-Hear’Say singer for her birthday. They also wished her the best of luck for her upcoming musical venture, where she will be playing the monstruous Cruella De Vil.
It comes after Graziano was sacked by BBC bosses after video footage emerged of the star hitting, kicking and spitting at Zara McDermott. Whilst the pair were in training, the Italian appeared to let his passion take over and become more frustrated as he was determined to be perfect.
(Image: Getty Images for GAY TIMES)
In a statement released to his Instagram on Saturday, di Prima said he “deeply regrets the events that led to his departure from Strictly”. However, due to the ongoing investigation, he was unable to reveal any more details.
Since being let go by the BBC, Graziano has returned to his native Sicily, leaving his life in the UK behind. He now has scored a job working as a farm labourer, earning £6 an hour.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
