FORMER Strictly Come Dancing star Susannah Constantine has been slammed for supporting Graziano Di Prima after his exit from the show.
The Italian dancer, 30, has been sacked from the BBC show for misconduct in rehearsals with celebrity partner Zara McDermott.
Video footage from the training room is said to have shown Graziano kicking and spitting at the former Love Island star.
Fashion guru Susannah, 62, who was partnered with Anton du Beke on the show in 2018, posted in support of Graziano on Instagram statement after he issued a statement.
She wrote: “What the hell??? You were always so sweet, kind, funny an thoughtful to me Graziano.
“Be true to yourself. Cream always rises to the top. Loads of love xxxxx.”
However, other followers felt it was wrong of her due to the nature of the allegations.
“This is a bad take,” said one. “He’s admitted he regrets his actions.”
Another said: “But do you know how he treated other people? You could be defending someone who physically and verbally abused someone.”
We exclsuively revealed Strictly bosses received two complaints last year about Graziano’s abusive training style towards Zara — but only issued warnings.
Insiders said no serious action was taken over the complaints raised last autumn, included allegations he hit, kicked and spat at Zara.
Graziano, 30, was fired after the claims against him emerged in the inquiry into fellow Italian pro Giovanni Pernice’s behaviour towards Amanda Abbington on the same series.
That probe began in May and Giovanni denies wrongdoing.
A source said: “This is a complete mess, and an unmitigated, utterly unprecedented disaster for the BBC.
“Graziano has held up his hands and admits his behaviour was extreme and unacceptable.
“He knows there is no return and quite rightly. Yet why was no action taken sooner to nip this situation in the bud?
“Graziano feels if he had received proper support and some sort of anger management training, an escalation could have been prevented.
“For the Beeb’s part, Graziano was not the only dancer being spoken to and they had absolutely no idea about the alleged kicking — which it is claimed happened twice — and as soon as they were alerted, they took decisive action and fired him.
“Graziano is in bits. He is being monitored 24/7 by his wife Giada and mum who has moved in to take care of him.
“This whole Strictly fiasco is getting increasingly toxic, and the BBC finds itself trying to complete an investigation while overseeing duty of care to all.”
The Sun on Sunday revealed Graziano had been sacked for gross misconduct.
We can also reveal it took just four days to axe him.
On Thursday, July 4, bosses were shown shocking video of clashes with ex-Love Islander Zara, 27.
They then held talks with Zara, but it was just before a weekend — and HR rules meant Graziano also had to be spoken to in person. He was then sacked on Monday, July 8.
An BBC insider said: “There was no procrastinating. The video evidence was completely and utterly undeniable. It only showed one incident, but it quickly became apparent from talking to Zara that verbal and physical abuse allegedly took place multiple times. She was incredibly brave.”
Last week it was announced ex-pro Aljaz Skorjanek is returning — which sparked speculation it was for Graziano. But Aljaz was rehired to replace Giovanni, as they are the same height.
Graziano’s replacement will be new, not a show veteran.
The BBC did not comment.
