Title: Strictly Come Dancing’s Graziano Di Prima Removed from Show After Kicking Partner
Graziano Di Prima, a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, has been removed from this year’s line-up after it was revealed that he kicked his celebrity partner, Zara McDermott, during rehearsals last year. The incident led to his departure from the show, as confirmed by his spokesman, Mark Borkowski.
Di Prima expressed regret for his actions and acknowledged that he had made a mistake. He thought the matter had been resolved until video evidence of the incident surfaced, prompting the BBC to take action and remove him from the show.
The controversy surrounding Di Prima comes in the wake of complaints about another professional dancer on the show, Giovanni Pernice, who has denied allegations of abusive behavior. The BBC has announced new measures to enhance the welfare and support for all participants on the show, including placing production staff in rehearsals to observe behavior and providing dedicated welfare producers.
The incident has sparked a conversation about the intense training and pressure faced by dancers on the show. Former Strictly professional Kristina Rihanoff emphasized the importance of regulating emotions and called for better psychological evaluations for participants. Rev Richard Coles, a former contestant on the show, highlighted the competitive and rigorous nature of the dance world behind the glitz and glamour of the show.
As Di Prima returns to Italy to focus on his mental health, the BBC is taking steps to address the issues raised and ensure a safe and supportive environment for all involved in the production of Strictly Come Dancing.