GRAZIANO Di Prima hinted at his tough Strictly Come Dancing training regime and high expectations months before he was sacked from the hit show.
The Italian, 30, has been fired by the BBC following claims he hit, spat at and kicked former celebrity partner Zara McDermott, 27, during rehearsals.
Graziano, who started on Strictly in 2018, was accused of “physical incidents” towards the Love Island alumni and images showing her lying exhausted and “passed out” on the floor have again come to light.
Now comments from the dancer have re-surfaced showing him detailing his intense training.
At the time, he opened up on the dynamic on Zara’s boyfriend Sam Thompson’s Hits Radio UK show and said: “We are forced to spend all day together.
“You need to understand that I’m just teaching you.
“Everything I’m saying is not personal, it’s about how you move.
“I’m not telling you that you’re rubbish in life!”
Previously, Zara had pleaded to Graziano: “Give me a break please,” after a particularly tough Halloween Week of training.
She posted a snapshot showing her lying on the floor with the words: “I think I’ve clocked around 50K steps already today with this routine.”
The BBC documentary maker is seen lying on her side, with her eyes firmly shut and resting her face on her hands.
Graziano, who has also danced with Vick Hope previously as well as Judi Love and Kym Marsh, previously told of his “sour” training approach in a candid question and answer session.
In a YouTube chat with Grazia magazine at the start of their Strictly training last year, Zara used to nickname Graziano “sweet and sour.”
Zara said: “What do we call you? Sweet and Sour. Yes Sweet and Sour. He is very, very very sweet and then sometimes…..to be fair when you have told me something 52,000 times and I still get it wrong, you look at me like…and I still get it wrong.”
Graziano simply replied: “I am just passionate.”
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Zara broke her silence on Tuesday with a lengthy comment on the alleged “incidents.”
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.”
It came after Graziano denied any wrongdoing after publishing his statement in full – yet he then sparked confusion when his message appeared to disappear.
He has now re-located overseas to start a new life.
Graziano was fired after the claims against him emerged in the inquiry into fellow show professional Giovanni Pernice’s behaviour towards former star Amanda Abbington.
Giovanni also quit the show earlier this year and is under investigation by the BBC over misconduct after complaints were filed by several of his former celebrity dance partners.
Meanwhile, The Sun exclusively revealed a third Strictly show star has been hailed a “person of interest” as the star’s name is given to lawyers.
Insiders said the name of the male dancer, who is no longer part of the BBC show, had been given to lawyers Carter Ruck.
Meanwhile, worried show fans have been left fearing Strictly could be axed completely.
