Graziano Di Prima announces departure from Strictly Come Dancing
The Italian dancer acknowledged in a statement that his ‘intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime’.
Graziano Di Prima has said he “deeply regrets” the events that have led to his exit from Strictly Come Dancing as he confirmed his departure from the BBC show.
The Italian professional dancer acknowledged in a statement on Saturday that his “intense passion and determination to win might have affected” his training regime while competing in the dance competition.
His departure comes amid reports of allegations about his conduct with a past participant on the show.
The BBC confirmed he is no longer part of the 2024 professional line-up and said if issues are raised with them they will “always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate”.
In a statement posted to Instagram, Di Prima 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.
“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.
“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.”
Graziano joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2018 and has been partnered with radio DJ Vick Hope, Loose Women panellist Judi Love, actress and TV presenter Kym Marsh and Love Island star Zara McDermott over the years.
A BBC spokesperson said: “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 robust duty of care procedures, and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate.”
It comes after it was confirmed that Giovanni Pernice will not be part of the 2024 line-up of professionals amid allegations about his teaching methods, which he rejects.
Pernice previously said in a statement that he is cooperating fully with an ongoing BBC investigation and that he looks “forward to clearing my name”.
The line-up changes comes as Strictly Come Dancing is set to mark its 20th year in the upcoming series.
Professional dancers who are still due to guide the celebrities later this year include 2023 winner Vito Coppola and Amy Dowden, who had missed competing on Strictly last year after she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer.
Aljaz Skorjanec, who won the BBC One series in his debut year in 2013 with model Abbey Clancy, is also set to return to the show following a two-year break.
Other dancers in the 2024 line-up include Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley and Michelle Tsiakkas.
