Graziano Di Prima has apologised for kicking his former dance partner Zara McDermott in Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals.
The professional dancer, 31, was axed from the BBC show last week over reports he ‘hit and kicked’ the former Love Island star, 27, last year.
BACK THEN …
And on Thursday, Graziano confirmed he did use abusive behaviour but claims he owned up to his ‘mistake’ and ‘apologised’ at the time.
A spokesperson for Graziano, Mark Borkowski, told BBC News: ‘There is never a time when kicking, or any sense of that is right. And he knows that.
He knows he’s made a mistake. He apologised at the time.’
Graziano, who believed the matter had been resolved at the time, was sacked from the show after a video of the idea was brought to the attention of the BBC last week.
STRICTLY COME DANCING UPDATES
The investigation into his behaviour was triggered by Strictly’s bid to clean up the show after fellow Italian Giovanni Pernice was accused of abusive behaviour by his 2023 dance partner Amanda Abbington, which resulted in him leaving the show. Giovanni denies the claims.
According to show insiders, video footage of Graziano mistreating Zara gave bosses no choice but to cancel his contract.
Addressing his departure on Instagram, 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.
‘Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.’
HE HAS STORY TO SHARE
He continued: ‘While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
‘I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future.’
He concluded the post: ‘I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.’
