Inside Graziano Di Prima's Strictly Come Dancing scandal: Timeline of complaints and the 'shocking' footage that led to his sacking
Strictly Come Dancing star Graziano Di Prima has been sacked from the BBC show over reports he verbally and physically abused his dance partner on the 2023 series - Zara McDermott.
The allegations came to light after members of production presented video of training room incidents to BBC HR executives investigating Graziano's co-star Giovanni Pernice, following claims from his 2023 partner, actress Amanda Abbington, that he bullied her in training.
Executives at the BBC are said to be 'deeply worried' that the fans will stop watching as scandal continues to surround their their flagship show.
'The last nine months have been a disaster,' says a well-informed source. 'With no idea where it is going to end, the anxiety amongst the upper echelons of the BBC is through the roof.'
Here, MailOnline breaks down a timeline of what happened, from the moment Graziano and Zara were paired together in September 2023, to the 'shocking' footage that led to his sacking...
Strictly Come Dancing star Graziano Di Prima has been sacked from the BBC show over reports he verbally and physically abused his dance partner on the 2023 series - Zara McDermott
September 2023
Graziano is paired with Love Island star Zara McDermott for the 2023 series of Strictly.
Graziano joined Strictly in 2018. He was previously paired with presenter Vick Hope, Loose Women star Judi Love and in 2022 he reached the quarter-final with actor Kym Marsh.
Bosses reportedly received two complaints surrounding Graziano's behaviour towards Zara during their training sessions, but only issue warnings as a result.
'There were multiple occasions where both physical and verbal attacks were made,' a Strictly source claimed this week. 'It was more physical than verbal, but all of it was dreadful.'
They claim that a crisis meeting to address what was going on was cancelled at the last minute.
The pair hint at many squabbles and disagreements in the rehearsal rooms, but these were turned into humorous TikTok videos
September 22
Zara and Graziano hint at many squabbles and disagreements in the rehearsal rooms, but these were turned into humorous TikTok videos.
Zara pokes fun at Graziano not giving her time to take a break, sharing a video of herself eating a sandwich while the dancer looked exasperated and declared: 'We haven't got time!'
October 20
Days before the pair were eliminated from the show in week six, Zara playfully bickers with Graziano as she reveals the intense training schedule has taken its toll, leaving her suffering from extreme exhaustion and sleeping on the floor.
After Graziano shares a video of Zara napping she was quick to hit back by claiming she had done 'double the workload' of her professional partner.
As the Italian dancer reveals: 'She asked me 5 minutes break @zaramcdermott', Zara reposts the clip by adding: 'I think I've clocked about 50k steps already today with this routine. Give me a break pls?'
Days before the pair were eliminated from the show in week six, Zara playfully bickered with Graziano as she revealed the intense training schedule had taken its toll
October 23
Zara and Graziano are voted out of the competition after losing the Halloween dance off to Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk.
Zara posts a gushing message on Instagram, thanking her 'amazing partner'.
Alongside a montage of snaps together, she praises Graziano by writing: 'From the day I met you Graz, you told me every day that I am strong, beautiful and confident.
'I believe that everything happens for a reason, and I know that we were meant to be friends for life. You have taught me so much about myself and our laughter every single day has brought me so much joy.'
'I never got bored of spending over 12 hours a day with you, and your work ethic has inspired me beyond words. You made me believe in myself in those moments that I absolutely didn't and the bond we have built is truly an unbreakable one.'
The pair's Strictly journey came to an end on Halloween week, with the duo being eliminated after losing the dance off to Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk
Elsewhere in the caption, Zara notes that she had been on a 'huge challenge, physically and mentally' and says it had been an 'honour and a privilege to be a part of something so iconic and magical.'
Zara's post has since been deleted but it's not clear when she took it down.
Meanwhile, Graziano tells his dance partner that he was 'so proud' of her and said she is what Strictly 'is all about'.
He says: 'She has been great for me 8am till 9pm. Never stopping, asking just for a half an hour break. She is literally what Strictly is all about. A real novice, coming in, putting all the hard job.
'You have such a good soul. You are so humble and I say thank you that I found a friend like you. I have learnt so much from you. And your hard work within six weeks.'
Graziano later shared a gushing post about his relationship with Zara and she in turn posted about their 'unbreakable bond' in a post that she has since deleted
June 10
The Strictly professionals lineup for the 2024 series, which is also the 20th anniversary, is announced by the BBC.
Graziano's name is included on the list.
The Italian dancer later takes to Instagram to share his excitement at being on the show for his 7th season, telling fans: 'I'm so happy and grateful, I can't wait to share my journey with you all!!'
July 8
Aljaž Škorjanec announces he has returned to the show two years after he quit in a surprise announcement by the BBC.
Some within the BBC have questioned why the pro dancer was not unveiled alongside the other professionals a month earlier – particularly because the Beeb left fans waiting for some weeks following Giovanni's departure before putting the final list out.
One source says: 'Usually when something like this happens the BBC give the wider media a heads up but this time the first anyone knew of it was a chat with Aljaž on The One Show and then it was quietly put up on the BBC's press centre at 7.30pm the same day.
'It meant that the announcement was in keeping with the narrative the BBC wanted, no questions were asked as to why he was being unveiled now.'
It is the latest blow suffered by the BBC show as allegations against fellow Strictly star Giovanni Pernice are still being investigated amid his 'bullying' row with Amanda Abbington
July 11
A junior member of Strictly's production team speaks up after witnessing Graziano physically attack Zara during training last year.
They were too frightened to say anything at the time for fear they could be ousted from their job, so they kept quiet.
It was not until staff got hold of a video allegedly showing Graziano repeatedly hitting Zara– nine months after their initial complaint – that they took action.
They present the video it to BBC HR executives investigating Giovanni.
BBC chiefs contact Zara's management and she is invited in to be interviewed about his behaviour.
July 12
Before the weekend, Zara attends a meeting with the BBC's HR bosses and investigators which reportedly included two ex-Met police officers.
A BBC insider insisted of the meeting: '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.'
BBC bosses sack Graziano.
Graziano shared a statement reading: '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'
July 13
A spokesman for Strictly confirms Graziano's departure in a statement which says 'We can confirm that Graziano Di Prima is no longer a part of the line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
While we would never comment on individual cases, it is well-known that the BBC has established and robust duty of care procedures, and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate.'
Shortly beforehand, Graziano makes his own attempt at getting his side across with a post on Instagram where he admitted wrongdoing.
In a post which was quickly deleted, he 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.'
He later posts a revised statement which adds: '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.
A junior member of Strictly's production team spoke up after witnessing Graziano physically attack Zara during training last year
July 14
The Mail On Sunday reveal Graziano was sacked after he kicked and hit Zara.
A Strictly source said: 'Graziano's abuse was ongoing, he kicked and hit her. There were multiple occasions where both physical and verbal attacks were made. It was more physical than verbal but all of it was dreadful.
'There were occasions where he did some terrible things, it really was awful. What he did makes Giovanni look like a pussy cat.'
As more shocking allegations have come to light over Graziano's sacking, there has been a marked difference in public support for him.
Previously, his fans and famous friends had rallied behind him, including fellow Strictly stars Katya Jones, Susannah Constantine and Catherine Tyldesley, who liked and commented on his Instagram post announcing his departure.
However, Catherine - who was partnered with Johannes Radebe in the show in 2019 - has now removed one of her more supportive comments.
Zara broke her silence with an Instagram statement shared on Tuesday July 16
July 15
MailOnline report that Graziano is taking legal action against the BBC,.
The Sicilian dancer believes he should have been 'supported and helped' with his behaviour after bosses warned him about his treatment of former Love Island star Zara.
But a BBC insider told the Mail that the broadcaster will fight back, explaining: 'Why would any workplace, particularly one paid for by the public, offer support to someone who acted in an undoubtedly abhorrent manner?'
July 16
Zara breaks her silence, posting on Instagram on Tuesday morning that while much of her time on Strictly 'was everything I could have dreamt of' inside the training room there were 'particular incidents which are incredibly distressing'.
She explains that she didn't report the incidents at the time as she was 'scared' of backlash.
'I have wrested with the fear of opening up - I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming,' Zara wrote on Instagram.
'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.
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.
Strictly bosses announced plans to introduce chaperones during training, and the appointment of two new welfare producers on July 17
Strictly bosses announced plans to introduce chaperones during training, and the appointment of two new welfare producers.
They revealed they would be introducing 'additional steps to strengthen welfare and support on Strictly Come Dancing.'
A statement from the corporation said: 'Concerns that have arisen in recent months have been fundamentally about training and rehearsals. The actions we announce today are designed to address that.'
The new measures include a member of the production team being present during training room rehearsals at all times, and increased support for both celebrity contestants and the professional dancers.
A Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer will both be appointed to fulfil these added duties, and further training will also be delivered for the production team and crew.
A Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer will both be appointed to fulfil these added duties, and further training will also be delivered for the production team and crew
July 17
It was unearthed that months after the show ended, Zara revealed she only has three toenails after losing them during the competition.
While training for Strictly, Zara shared a photo of her nasty foot wounds including one on her big toe, she wrote: 'Half my toe has come off tbh.'
During an interview last year, Zara revealed the reason behind her agonising injury, that left her feet 'bleeding' was her gruelling training sessions.
She said at the time it was a tough ride during rehearsals when Graziano made her wear 'men's shoes' which left her feet sore and cut.
Also on July 17, insider told The Mirror that: 'In hindsight, Zara was clearly too scared to speak up and it's heartbreaking that the full extent of what was happening wasn't apparent.'
The source added: 'He used some choice language - he was tough in training and producers spoke to him about the way he was speaking to people. He understood he was being given a warning, and that his conduct had to change.'
Zara also thanked fans for the recent 'love' and 'support' following the scandal and teased an upcoming documentary that will soon be released about 'an extremely sensitive subject'.
She wrote that she would 'love to tell you more but it's about an extremely sensitive subject (perhaps my most sensitive yet) and it's impossible for me to talk about without my compromising the safety of our contributors.'
Months after the show, the documentary maker revealed that she only has three toenails after losing them during the competition
July 18
MailOnline revealed that Graziano is working on a remote vineyard in Sicily earning just £6-an-hour after being sacked from Strictly.
After fleeing the UK to go back to his native home in Italy with his wife Giada, a fellow dancer who stars on the Italian version of Strictly, Graziano 'has taken a job on a farm, ploughing fields, living with cows and picking grapes'.
The Italian pro is 'digging ditches and clearing wood' according to pals in a bid to ignore the 'noise' sparked by his shock departure from Strictly.
He is only speaking to two people - his mother Giovanna and wife Giada - and is not looking at social media or the internet as he concentrates on 'getting his head straight' as his inner circle admit 'he's in a bad place'.
A friend told MailOnline that Graziano appreciates his career in the UK is over following the scandal, but there is hope he can resurrect his profession within dance as 'that's what his body is built for'.
July 20
Anton Du Beke has unfollowed Graziano Di Prima on social media but chooses to stand by Giovanni Pernice amid the misconduct scandal.
It came just weeks after Giovanni was suspended while a BBC probe is underway over claims of off-camera misconduct made by Amanda Abbington, 50, and two other former celebrity partners.
In the wake of the drama it seem's Anton has unfollowed Graziano on Instagram, although he still follows the judge.
Last month it was reported Anton 'is hugely standing by' Giovanni after he quit Strictly Come Dancing amid the BBC's 'serious misconduct' probe.
Strictly Come Dancing's Anton Du Beke has unfollowed Graziano Di Prima on social media but chooses to stand by Giovanni Pernice amid the misconduct scandal (Anton pictured in April)
In the wake of the drama it seem's Anton has unfollowed Graziano on Instagram, although he still follows the judge
