STRICTLY’s Graziano Di Prima has been axed from the BBC show over allegations of physical and verbal behaviour towards his dance partner Zara McDermott, we can reveal.
The Italian dancer, 30, will not appear in the next series of the programme despite the Beeb announcing him in the line-up.
TV insiders said Graziano was let go on Monday evening following an internal investigation into a number of physical incidents involving Zara, who appeared with him on the show last year.
It comes after The Sun revealed that Strictly star Amanda Abbington was considering fresh legal action after Giovanni Pernice refused to release their rehearsal videos.
Her lawyers believe the tapes will support misconduct accusations against the pro dancer, who the BBC continues to investigate.
Giovanni, 33, denies the claims against him.
However Strictly insiders wondered “what he had to hide” when he blocked the release of training footage with Ms Abbington, 50.
A source said: “Amanda and her legal team asked to have access to the tapes.
“The BBC contacted Giovanni and his legal team to get their consent but they refused.
“Amanda’s legal team are now weighing up an appeal to the Information Commissioner’s Office to get access to the evidence as they think it is vital in helping support her claims.
“He claims the allegations are false — she insists they will validate every one of her grievances.
“To be clear, the BBC are reviewing the tapes and taking them very seriously.
“But there are data implications to them ever being leaked so they are in an unenviable position.”
It is understood the BBC is close to gathering all its evidence over Giovanni, whose training methods with his celeb partners have sparked accusations of gross misconduct.
The Sun earlier revealed that two non-celebs, including a choreographer, have also come forward.
It comes following rumours that there was trouble with Zara and Sam Thompson’s relationship, with the couple said to have been holding “crisis talks” in order to put the romance back on track.
The pair reportedly had a blazing row earlier this year that prompted Zara to walk out and head to her family’s house for a period of time.
However, just days later Zara shared a picture that suggested she was with Sam on a stroll together.
A source close to the couple had previously said: “It’s been a tough week for Sam and Zara, but they are still in the process of trying to work through their issues.
“They’re pursuing every avenue, but the outcome is still up in the air.
“They need some time. There is a lot of love there, but they’re still young and finding their way amid the responsibilities of work.
“Zara, in particular, has had an emotional week and has been tearful, but has been trying her best to focus on work commitments.”
May 2019: Sam confirms he’s started dating Zara in an interview after she “slid into his DMs” – they go Instagram official a month later.
October 2019: Zara makes her Made In Chelsea debut alongside Sam
November 2019: Zara forms a Love Island supergroup with Wes Nelson, Eyal Booker and Samira Mighty for Celebrity X Factor.
December 2019: Zara and Sam hit their first rocky patch, with scenes airing on Made In Chelsea showing Sam trying to “salvage” the relationship.
April 2020: In new Made In Chelsea scenes, the couple are seen fighting for their relationship, with Sam vowing to give his “whole heart” to her.
July 2020: The couple seem back on track as they head on holiday to Mykonos together – with reports he’s planning to propose.
September 10 2020: The MailOnline reports the couple have split, with Zara moving back to her parents’ in Essex. The Sun reveals Zara cheated on Sam while on Celebrity X Factor.
October 19, 2020: Made in Chelsea scenes air showing Zara begging Sam to forgive her. It comes days after Zara posted a montage of her and Sam together, calling him the “love of her life”.
November 2020: Rumours circulate they are secretly back together.
August 2021: Zara pivots her career into documentaries, being praised for one on revenge porn, before landing a hosting gig for BBC’s Love In The Flesh.
September 2021: Sam says he trusts Zara again and they are going well.
March 2022: Zara and Sam start giving their London home a makeover.
August 2023: Zara lands spot on Strictly Come Dancing.
November 2023: Sam heads to Australia for I’m A Celebrity – later winning the show. Zara needs to stay in UK due to Strictly obligations.
May 2024: Couple spark engagement rumours as they look happier than ever on social media.
June 11 2024: Sam and Zara are seen having an explosive row after SoccerAid – though they later try to laugh it off.
June 29 2024: Sam seen being consoled by Pete Wicks at Tric Awards, with news later claiming he and Zara are in “crisis talks” after she walks out of their home.
