Zara McDermott on Graziano Di Prima's Strictly exit: 'I feared victim shaming'

admin admin | 07-17 00:15

Zara McDermott has said she "wrestled with the fear of opening up" about her time on Strictly Come Dancing because she feared "public backlash" and "victim shaming".

In a statement following her former professional partner Graziano Di Prima's exit from the show, she said: "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."

McDermott thanked the BBC and BBC Studios, which makes Strictly, for their "swift action and incredibly high level of support".

Zara McDermott thanked the BBC and Strictly for their support

Graziano Di Prima recently took to social media to say he "deeply regrets" the events that led to his exit from the popular BBC One show.

The Italian professional dancer acknowledged in a statement on Saturday that his "intense passion and determination to win might have affected" his training regime while competing in the dance competition.

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The BBC confirmed he is no longer part of the 2024 professional line-up and said if issues are raised with them they will "always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate".

Writing on Instagram Di Prima said: "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.

"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.

"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."

Di Prima said his "determination to win might have affected my training regime"

Graziano joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2018 and was previously partnered with radio DJ Vick Hope, Loose Women panellist Judi Love and TV presenter Kym Marsh.

A BBC spokesperson said: "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 robust duty of care procedures, and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate."

It comes after it was confirmed that Giovanni Pernice will not be part of the 2024 line-up of professionals amid allegations about his teaching methods, which he rejects.

Giovanni Pernice will not be part of the 2024 line-up of Strictly Come Dancing

The line-up changes come as Strictly Come Dancing is set to mark its 20th year in the upcoming series.

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