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Strictly’s Nikita Kuzmin’s girlfriend shows support for Zara McDermott after Graziano Di Prima’s sacking
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STRICTLY star Nikita Kuzmin’s girlfriend has shown her support for Zara McDermott after after professional dancer Graziano Di Prima’s sacking.
Last week Graziano, 30, was fired from the BBC show after bosses were shown shocking video of clashes with his former celeb partner Zara, 27.
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Graziano has been accused of kicking the ex-Love Island star during a rehearsals, and since the allegations were made known, the dancer has left the UK for a new life in Italy.
Meanwhile Zara took to Instagram to share that she's back doing what she loves - filming documentaries.
In the comments section Nikita's girlfriend Lauren Jaine wrote: "Love you so much Zar. Forever proud of you ❤️."
Nikita - who has been a professional on the dance show since 2021 - started dating the model last year.
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Zara, who shot to fame on Love Island in 2018, told fans: "Doing what I love… the best job in the world💛
"The art of storytelling through documentaries… and I’m learning more and more every single day (including how to properly use a camera and hopefully direct one day).
"I cannot believe I’ve been doing this job for almost 5 years now.
"We are currently working on an incredible new series that has been in production for a good while; I would love to tell you more but it’s about an extremely sensitive subject (perhaps my most sensitive yet) and it’s impossible for me to talk about without my compromising the safety of our contributors.
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"There’s an incredible team around me who are helping me navigate this subject with so much care & purpose.
"When I can share more, I will. ❤️ thank you guys for all your recent love and support on my work xxx."
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On Tuesday Zara broke her silence following Graziano's axing.
The pair starred on the 21st series last year and were the fifth pairing to leave.
The star took to social media after axed pro, 30, was fired by the BBC following claims he hit, spat at and kicked her during rehearsals.
Writing on Instagram, Zara said: "I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports.
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."
"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".
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.
"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.
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"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 come after others about Strictly pro-Giovanni Pernice, 33, bullying his former celebrity Amanda Abbington, 50, on the last series - which he has denied.
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