FORMER Strictly Come Dancing star Graziano Di Prima has returned to the UK for the first time in months.
The professional dancer, who was sacked by the BBC back in the summer, fled the United Kingdom after he was alleged to have “hit and kicked” one of his former dance partners.
Heading to Italy when the news broke and overshadowed his career, Graziano left the UK with his wife Giada.
A source told us at the time, “Graziano is petrified and in a bad place.
“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.”
And now he has returned for the first time since fleeing, with the Graziano spotted in London over the weekend.
Seen with his wife Giada, Graziano was all smiles as the pair arrived at a dance class, which came mere weeks after he broke his silence on his possible return to the spotlight.
The duo rocked a cohesive colour palette comprising of black and grey.
Giada wore her long blonde hair down and straight, while Graziano’s famous tresses were in their usual curly style.
The couple both wore black jackets, with Giada rocking black boots with some black trousers, and her husband wearing grey jeans and some black and white trainers.
In July, it was alleged that the 30-year-old dancer had “repeatedly hit and kicked” his former dancer partner, Zara McDermott, with verbal and physical abuse accusations plaguing the professional dancer.
Video footage, which was filmed during the rehearsal process, reportedly reduced production staff “to tears” and Graziano was sacked hours after BBC bosses watched the clips.
An anonymous friend of the Italian dancer said in July: “There are questions over their [the BBC’s] procedures, and how they operate behind the scenes.
“He [Di Prima] believes that there is a lot of pressure on professionals to get nines or tens to entertain the audience.”
Bosses reportedly received two complaints surrounding Graziano’s alleged behaviour towards Zara during the training sessions last year, but only issued warnings as a result.
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.”
Meanwhile, a source told The Mirror that BBC bosses were not aware of Graziano’s alleged physical conduct until the “shocking” footage emerged.
The dancer was accused of hitting, kicking and even spitting at Zara, and once the footage had been seen by BBC bosses, Graziano was sacked in 48 hours.
Last month, Graziano teased a return to the spotlight when he took to social media to gush about his love of dance.
“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,” he began.
“After a period of reflection, I feel stronger than ever and eager to return to what I love most: dancing,” he continued.
Graziano went on, “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.
“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.”
