SPEAKING OUT
‘Scared’ Zara McDermott breaks silence on Graziano Di Prima Strictly axe and reveals why she didn’t speak up before now
Read Zara's statement in full below
ZARA McDermott has broken her silence on Graziano Di Prima's Strictly axing and revealed why she didn't speak up before now.
The ex-Love Island star took to Instagram after the axed pro, 30, was fired by the BBC following claims he hit, spat at and kicked her during rehearsals.
9
9
9
9
The Italian dancer fled the UK as more claims came to light that Zara "passed out" during rehearsals.
Zara, 27, responded in a lengthy statement and said she was "scared to speak up".
Following her statement on Tuesday the BBC announced new measures to protect stars taking part in this year’s competition.
Writing on Instagram, Zara said: "I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports.
READ MORE ON STRICTLY
"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."
Zara said she "fully understood" how much commitment and hard work would be needed on the show and insisted she is "resilient" and was ready to "put in whatever it took".
She praised her fellow contestants and the production team, saying they were "amazing to work with" - but added her "experience inside the training room was very different".
Most read in News TV
The star continued: "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 public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming.
Watch Graziano Di Prima gush over Zara McDermott in unearthed interview after he’s AXED for shocking behaviour
"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."
Zara added: "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."
The allegations against Graziano came to light during the inquiry into claims that Strictly pro-Giovanni Pernice, 33, bullied his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington, 50, on the last series - which he has strenuously denied.
Graziano Di Prima - Strictly statement in FULL
GRAZIANO Di Prima has addressed his Strictly Come Dancing sacking with a statement on social media - see the details below.
In a statement shared to his Instagram page 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 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."
Bosses contacted ex-Love Island star and documentary maker Zara after other contestants and production staff made allegations against Graziano.
Graziano, who joined the show in 2018 and attended the same "brutal" dance school as Giovanni in Italy, had his BBC contract terminated when spoken to on Monday.
He broke his silence moments after his exit was announced and spoke of his "deep regret" over claims he had kicked, hit and spat at Zara, and he accepted the decision to part ways with the show.
The star, who is married to fellow dancer Giada Lini, insisted there was more to the story than meets the eye and said he would speak out "when the time is right".
The Sun also revealed how the BBC had been warned twice about Graziano’s conduct towards Love Island star Zara during their training sessions last year.
A source said: “The footage has reduced those who have seen it to tears.”
The BBC insisted it acted swiftly after seeing video footage of the alleged abuse.
Meanwhile, other resurfaced footage from last year's series shows an exhausted Zara curled up on the training room floor ahead of Halloween week.
Zara shared the footage on social media and told followers: "I think I've clocked around 50K steps already today with this routine."
She then begged professional partner Graziano: "Give me a break please."
BRUTAL DANCE SCHOOL
Pro Giovanni Pernice’s departure from Strictly came in the wake of stories suggesting he had pushed some stars he was paired with.
Viewers are now wondering how the beloved primetime show has turned toxic.
In a remarkable twist, both Graziano and Giovanni hail from Sicily in Italy and attended Europe’s biggest dance school, Team Diablo near Bologna.
Students at Team Diablo are drilled to perfect routines and have been said to lose dangerous amounts of weight while training for up to 12 hours a day.
Former Strictly professional Joanne Clifton, who lifted the Glitterball trophy after being paired with broadcaster Ore Oduba in the 2016 series, told how she was hospitalised after being part of the academy.
She said: "The problem was there were too many dancers — including me — who thought being skinny was good.
"As well as doing my best to limit my intake of pizza and pasta, and drinking up to ten espressos a day, I cut out meat, which led to me being hospitalised with anaemia.
"That feeling of low energy was horrendous and impacted on my training.
"For a period of four months, I remember collapsing unexplainably — my body was telling me to change something."
FRESH START ABROAD
Insiders told The Sun Graziano – who joined the BBC show in 2018 – is now packing his bags for a fresh start abroad with wife Giada.
A source said: “Graziano is petrified and in a bad place.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“He is being supported by his wife Giada and they are planning to pack up and move back to Italy. 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."
9
9
9
9
9
Topics