Zara McDermott has broken her silence following her Strictly Come Dancing partner Graziano Di Prima being dropped from the 2024 line-up.
The former Love Island star, 27, published a lengthy statement on her Instagram Stories on Tuesday morning following reports emerging over the weekend regarding her experience on the BBC show last year.
In her message to fans, Zara – who unfollowed Graziano on Instagram on Saturday – admitted her time inside the training room with Graziano was far from the dream experience she envisaged as a child and “there were witnesses to some events. She confessed a fear of being victim shamed prevented her from speaking out sooner.
Zara’s statement reads: “I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports. Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV and one that I dreamt of being on since I was a little girl.
“When I was invited to be a contestant on the show it really was a childhood dream come true. I fully understood the level of commitment and hard work that Strictly was going to be and I dedicated everything to it. I am a resilient person and I was fully prepared to put in whatever it took.
“And so much of my Strictly experience was everything I could have dreamt of. The entire production team and everyone behind the scenes as well as my fellow contestants were so amazing to work with. However, 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.”
Zara continued: “I have wrestled with the fear of opening up- I was scared about 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 voices are so loud. This is something I’ve seen through working with countless women on my documentaries. I would like to thank the BBC & BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me – it really truly means a lot. Love, always. Zara.”
(
Image:
Zara McDermott/Instagram)
(
Image:
Instagram/zara_mcdermott)
Graziano expressed his regret on Saturday (July 13) as news of his Strictly exit broke, with the Italian dancer stating that he “deeply regrets” what happened that led to his departure, as the BBC announced he wouldn’t be returning for the 2024 series. In a heartfelt Instagram post shortly after the news hit the headlines in a national paper, Graziano addressed his fans: “While respecting the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it’s only right for the sake of the show that I step away.”
He continued: “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.”
It’s reported that Graziano was shown the door by the BBC on Monday (July 8) evening following claims of inappropriate behaviour towards his 2023 dance partner, Zara. The same night, Alijaz Skorjanec’s return to the Strictly roster after two years away was revealed on The One Show.
Graziano’s Instagram post on Saturday sparked a flurry of fan comments, yet it was notably short on responses from his Strictly Come Dancing peers. Nonetheless, two former celebrity contestants stepped up to offer their encouragement. Susannah Constantine, who graced the dance floor in 2018, was one of the prominent figures to engage with Graziano’s post.
Susanna, who danced alongside now-judge Anton du Beke during her stint, reached out to Graziano saying: “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.”
However, it’s reported that former soap star Catherine’s original message was slightly longer, with it claimed she also commented “You are the kindest, incredibly talented, most gentle man… I’m so sorry. Sending you so much love x”. The additional message has since seemingly been deleted as it no longer appears in the comment section.
In a statement regarding Graziano’s shock exit a BBC spokesperson said on Saturday: “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.”
On the Monday, it was claimed that Strictly bosses were said to have received a couple of complaints regarding Graziano’s behaviour towards his dance partner, Zara during their training sessions last year. Yet, the only action taken was issuing warnings. A source told The Sun: “Graziano has held up his hands and admits his behaviour was extreme and unacceptable. He knows there is no return and quite rightly. Yet why was no action taken sooner to nip this situation in the bud? Graziano feels if he had received proper support and some sort of anger management training, an escalation could have been prevented.”
“For the Beeb’s part, Graziano was not the only dancer being spoken to and they had absolutely no idea about the alleged kicking – which it is claimed happened twice – and as soon as they were alerted, they took decisive action and fired him.” The insider also shared that Graziano is “in bits” over the ordeal and is currently under constant watch by his wife Giada and his mother. They further commented on the escalating tension, calling the “whole Strictly fiasco” “getting increasingly toxic”.
This isn’t the only headache Strictly bosses are dealing with at the moment. As Strictly Come Dancing prepares to mark its 20th anniversary with grand celebrations later this year, it can’t seem to shake off the controversies behind the scenes. Amanda Abbington, who was part of the 2023 series, has reportedly demanded to see her training footage from Strictly Come Dancing amid claims of “threatening and abusive behaviour” by her dance partner Giovanni Pernice, allegations which he has vehemently denied.
(
Image:
BBC)
Giovanni, who won’t be gracing the dance floor in the upcoming season of Strictly, has been under investigation after several complaints were lodged against him, including those from Amanda following her early exit from last year’s competition. Amidst the ongoing probe, it’s been reported that Amanda’s representatives have sought access to the rehearsal footage with the 2022 Strictly winner.
However, according to an insider who spoke to The Sun earlier this month, Giovanni has blocked Amanda’s efforts to obtain the recordings. The source revealed: “Amanda and her legal team asked to have access to the tapes. The BBC contacted Giovanni and his legal team to get their consent but they refused. Amanda’s legal team are now weighing up an appeal to the Information Commissioner’s Office to get access to the evidence as they think it is vital in helping support her claims.”
Giovanni has previously responded strongly to these allegations, emphatically denying any transgressions in an extensive post on social media during the crisis’s early stages. “He claims the allegations are false – she insists they will validate every one of her grievances,” the source elaborated.
However, according to an insider who spoke to The Sun earlier this month, Giovanni has blocked Amanda’s efforts to obtain the recordings. The source revealed: “Amanda and her legal team asked to have access to the tapes. The BBC contacted Giovanni and his legal team to get their consent but they refused. Amanda’s legal team are now weighing up an appeal to the Information Commissioner’s Office to get access to the evidence as they think it is vital in helping support her claims.”
News
Sinitta SH0CKS Loose Women panel with X-R@T3D comment about new BOYFRIEND
Sinitta stunned the Loose Women panel today when she opened up about her new relationship. The Toy Boy star, 60, who used to date media mogul Simon Cowell, has been single for 10 years, but is now delighted with her new man, who…
FATHER CAUSES FURY Tommy Fury’s dad John made CRUEL comment about Molly-Mae and DEFENDED his son during the couple’s SH0CK SPLIT
TOMMY Fury’s dad John once made a cruel comment about Molly-Mae “not being a wife” – appearing to predict the couple would split YEARS before they broke up. The influencer, 25, ended her five-year relationship after being sent an upsetting video of…
MAE DAY Molly-Mae accused of ‘FAKING HOLIDAY’ with Tommy Fury before SPLIT as fans spot TWO HUGE CLUES
MOLLY-MAE’s fans shared a wild theory she faked a holiday with Tommy Fury before their split. The former Love Island stars, both 25, split last week after five years together. Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy…
MOVING ON Molly-Mae Hague’s ‘ULTIMATE REVENGE’ on Tommy Fury with new MONEY-SPINNING move in America
Determined Molly Mae Hague is poised to deliver the ultimate knockout blow to dumped Tommy Fury by conquering America. Boxer Tommy, 25, was embarrassingly denied entry to the States last year for a fight after American authorities refused an entry visa after background…
Katie Price’s children ‘ANGRY’ as mum becomes a ‘LAUGHING STOCK’ over new surgery
Katie Price’s children have urged her to stop after she underwent her latest £10,000 facelift. The former glamour model is no stranger to plastic surgery but it’s reported her children want to put a stop to her mum’s desire to…
EXCLUSIVE: Molly-Mae HUMILIATED Tommy Fury, then played the VICTIM, Trust me, there’s more to this SPLIT than meets the eye…
After Molly-Mae Hague’s shock Instagram announcement that her five-year relationship with Tommy Fury was over amid rumours of his infidelity, her eight million fans were so distraught that some said they were ‘actually sobbing’ over the death of the fairytale….
End of content
No more pages to load