WHEN it comes to Strictly Come Dancing, it’s not the judges who have the power or the camera-loving celebrities, but the public who ultimately hold the keys to the BBC shows success.
Now, amid the latest Graziano Di Prima scandal, which has seen the Italian pro sacked after he confessed to kicking his former dance partner Zara McDermott,27, the people appear to be voting with their feet and are threatening to boycott this year’s show.
Writing on social media, a slew of Strictly super fans have been airing their views, with many calling for the show to be taken off air for a year, in a bid to clean up its act and then return with a bang.
One person said: “I think this is an opportunity to take stock and fix things. Honestly, the tension and pressure in the show has become a bit overwhelming in recent years so if it were to turn a bit more fun and less dramatic I’d be more keen to watch it.
I did think it would be good if the show took a year off to regroup and I think it’ll be quite odd to see them go from the current situation to the Clauditorium love-in etc. in just a couple of months. This is the show’s 20th year so it’s supposed to be a celebration, and I’m not sure how they’ll pull things around so quickly.”
And they added that the BBC needs to create some distance, in order to come back stronger.
“I’m sure people have already said this but I think this is a great opportunity for them to reflect and put measures in place to ensure things like this don’t happen in the future. Strictly brings happiness to so many people and it isn’t necessary to scrap the show, but rather to improve it and make it a more positive environment for all!”
Meanwhile another fan on social media site X hinted at a general malaise the public may now feel toward the show.
“We decided not to watch #Strictly Come Dancing in our house, last year. It was only because we really disliked one of the celebrities and didn’t want to watch her waltzing around in sparkling sequins for weeks. Thought we would watch this time but maybe not. More bulies allegedly.”
Graziano, 30, was fired by the BBC following claims he hit, spat at and kicked Zara during rehearsals.
The Sun told how the BBC had been warned twice about Graziano’s conduct towards Zara during their training sessions last year.
Zara is understood to have been “too scared” to speak out.
In a statement released after Graziano’s sacking, Zara said: “Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch.
“I have wrestled with the fear of opening up – I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming.
“But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I’ve gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show.”
Zara added: “The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak up, especially in a world where social media opinions and voices are so loud.
“This is something I’ve seen through working with countless women on my documentaries.
“I would like to thank the BBC & BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me – it really truly means a lot. Love, always. Zara.”
The Sicilian pro is the second to face the axe, after fellow Italian Giovanni Pernice sensationally quit the show back in May, following allegations made against him by his former dance partner, Amanda Abbington, 50.
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.”
