Strictly star Zara McDermott’s statement in full after ‘distressing’ video with axed Graziano Di Prima

Zara McDermott has broken her silence for the first time since Graziano Di Prima’s exit from Strictly Come Dancing.

The 30-year-old Italian professional dancer left the BBC series following claims of ‘physical incidents’, including allegations he ‘kicked and hit’ McDermott.

The documentary maker has now posted a statement on Instagram expressing her feelings and detailing how difficult she’s found it to watch ‘distressing’ footage of ‘particular incidents’.

McDermott initially began the crushing message by explaining how Strictly was a dream job for her, and so when selected to take part last year, she gave it her full commitment.

‘Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV and one that I dreamt of being on since I was a little girl. When I was invited to be a contestant on the show it really was a childhood dream come true,’ she wrote.

‘I fully understood the level of commitment and hard work that Strictly was going to be and I dedicated everything to it. I am a resilient person and I was fully prepared to put in whatever it took.

‘And so much of my Strictly experience was everything I could have dreamt of. The entire production team and everyone behind the scenes as well as my fellow contestants were so amazing to work with.’

McDermott, 27, then claimed her experience on the Latin and ballroom show wasn’t wholly positive, and explained why she decided not to discuss it until now.

‘However, my experience inside the training room was very different. 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.

‘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 social media message concluded.

Di Prima previously said he ‘deeply regrets the actions’ that led to his departure from Strictly. ‘My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime,’ he admitted.

However, it is now claimed Di Prima is planning ‘legal action’ as he believes more ‘support and help’ should have been offered after he was previously warned about his behaviour.

‘There are questions over their procedures, and how they operate behind the scenes. He believes that there is a lot of pressure on professionals to get nines or tens to entertain the audience,’ a friend of Di Prima told the Daily Mail.

A BBC insider told the publication: ‘Why would any workplace, particularly one paid for by the public, offer support to someone who acted in an undoubtedly abhorrent manner?’

The BBC previously confirmed Di Prima’s departure with a statement, which read: ‘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.’

Since the allegations have been public, it has been discovered McDermott no longer follows Di Prima on Instagram.

After leaving the competition in week six, McDermott posted on the social media platform thanking her partner and sharing imagery from their time on the series together.

‘From the day I met you Graz, you told me every day that I am strong, beautiful and confident,’ the caption read.

‘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.’

It continued: ‘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.’

However, she’s now chosen to remove the complimentary message.

Following his exit from Strictly, Sicily-born Di Prima reportedly plans to move back to Italy with his wife Giada Lini.

‘Graziano is petrified and in a bad place,’ a source claimed to The Sun.

‘This has killed his career dead and he knows it.

‘Going back to Italy for a new beginning is what is best for him and Giada.’

Di Prima first joined Strictly in 2018, with his first celebrity partner being TV and radio presenter Vick Hope.

He went on to be partnered with celebrities including Loose Women star Judi Love and Coronation Street actress Kym Marsh.

He is the second dancer to leave Strictly after reports of backstage conduct. Giovanni Pernice is under investigation after his most recent partner Amanda Abbington quit Strictly after five weeks last year and claimed to have been . She has since called Giovanni ‘tough’, ‘nasty’ and ‘brutal’, and it’s been reported more of his former partners also had issues with his training methods.

He ‘rejects any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour’, adding: ‘I look forward to clearing my name.’

It has been reported that BBC are now considering hiring chaperones for the 2024 series, with executive Sam Bickley in charge of ensuring duty of care.

‘[Sam] will be discussing the protocols and where they need to be tightened up,’ a source told The Times.

‘We have acted swiftly and decisively to nip that in the bud and it doesn’t take away from almost everyone else having a really lovely, enriching experience from being part of the show.’

Metro.co.uk has contacted Graziano Di Prima’s representatives and BBC for comment.