Graziano Di Prima has broken his silence for the first time in months as he teased his return to the spotlight on Tuesday.
The professional dancer, 30, was sacked by the BBC following claims of gross misconduct towards his former partner Zara McDermott.
Now, four months after his exit, Graziano has taken to social media to share he is raring to get back on the stage.
Graziano shared a moody video of himself walking on a bridge at night time, before being joined by his wife, Giada Lini, who is also a professional dancer.
Alongside the clip, Graziano wrote: ‘Dance has always been the center of my life, my greatest passion, the path I chose and dedicated years of study, sacrifice, and love to. After a period of reflection, I feel stronger than ever and eager to return to what I love most: dancing.’
Graziano Di Prima has broken his silence for the first time in months as he teased his return to the spotlight on Tuesday
Graziano shared a moody video of himself walking on a bridge at night time, before being joined by his wife, Giada Lini, who is also a professional dancer
He continued: ‘The future is a whole world of new open windows, ready to welcome new dreams and new challenges, and I’m excited to continue this journey with even more determination and inspiration.’
Speaking to his fans, Graziano added: ‘A heartfelt thank you to everyone who is always there for me. I’m thrilled to dance again with the same enthusiasm and dedication as always.
‘See you soon, whether on stage or through new projects that I will be very excited to share with you.’
According to The Sun Graziano has now ‘called in top lawyers to sue the BBC ‘ in a bid to clear his name.
Barristers from Whitestone Chambers have ‘already read thousands of text and WhatsApp messages’ and believe the Italian ‘could sue for unfair dismissal’.
A source said: ‘Graziano feels he wasn’t allowed a fair opportunity to give his side of the story so has been heartened to hear the legal team think he has a case for unfair dismissal.’
Alongside the clip, Graziano wrote: ‘Dance has always been the center of my life, my greatest passion, the path I chose and dedicated years of study, sacrifice, and love to. After a period of reflection, I feel stronger than ever and eager to return to what I love most: dancing.’
In July, Graziano was sacked, accused of ‘kicking’ his celebrity dancing partner Love Island star Zara McDermott during their time together no the show (both pictured)
They added: ‘They’ve also looked at his BBC contract and believe there are grounds to sue. He is weighing up his options but remains hopeful he can clear his name.’
MailOnline has contacted Graziano’s reps and the BBC for comment.
Strictly production staff raised concerns about Graziano’s conduct last year, but bosses only went as far as to issue quiet warnings to him.
The group expected him to be sacked instantly. They are said to be furious that their complaints were ignored, meaning the abuse towards Zara was allowed to continue and Graziano was even signed on for the upcoming 2024 series of Strictly .
It was not until staff got hold of a video allegedly showing Graziano repeatedly hitting Ms McDermott – nine months after their initial complaint – that he was fired.
Graziano later confirmed and regretted his actions against Zara.
Addressing his exit from the show, a ‘devastated’ Di Prima wrote on Instagram: ‘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.’
Addressing his exit from the show, Graziano confirmed and ‘deeply regretted’ his actions against Zara citing his ‘intense passion’ for his behaviour
Graziano Di Prima (left) had previously been partnered with comedian and Loose Women star Judi Love (right) in 2021
He also reached the quarter-final of the dance show with actor Kym Marsh (right) in 2022
‘While respecting the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it’s only right for the sake of the show that I step away. I am saddened that I wasn’t allowed to offer a quote to the online news stories, and I take on board the sensitivity of the situation.
‘There’s more to this story that I am unable to discuss at this time, but I am committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family nothing but success in the future.’
Graziano joined Strictly in 2018 and was last year partnered with the former Love Island star but they were eliminated in week six.
He was previously paired with presenter Vick Hope, Loose Women star Judi Love and in 2022 and he reached the quarter-final with actor Kym Marsh.
Read the full article here
