What we know as Graziano Di Prima admits he kicked Zara McDermott on Strictly

Sacked Strictly pro Graziano Di Prima has said he kicked Zara McDermott in a single incident during the 2023 series. He had apologised at the time.

The spokesperson told the BBC that this was a single incident and not something that went on in "weeks and weeks of training". "There is never a time when kicking, or any sense of that is right," his representative Mark Borkowski told BBC News. "And he knows that. He knows he's made a mistake. He apologised at the time."

Zara McDermott has spoken out after the Strictly professional was dropped from the 2024 series. She wrote on Instagram: "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."

Di Prima has left the show following allegations about his conduct against his 2023 series dance partner McDermott that were recently brought to light. Reports suggested the dancer was axed 48 hours after BBC bosses were presented with video evidence.

In the wake of the news, Di Prima initially said in a statement: "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."

What we know

Graziano Di Prima responds

Di Prima's representative said the dancer had "crossed the line" in discussion with the BBC and said that the choreographer couldn't clearly remember the incident. Di Prima's representative has denied the reports to the BBC that the dancer spat on McDermott. Following his exit from the BBC show, the choreographer has moved back to Italy where he is doing manual labour on a remote farm.

It is the second time that Di Prima has spoken out after being dropped from the show. First he posted an Instagram post saying he "deeply regrets the events" that sparked his exit from Strictly. He shared a statement on Instagram saying: "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."

Zara McDermott speaks out

McDermott has broken her silence on the allegations with an impassioned Instagram statement.

The Love Island star said she had always dreamed of being on Strictly. "When I was invited to be a contestant on the show it really was a childhood dream come true," she said in a statement. "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."

Of the allegations, she added: "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 aworld 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 and 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 meas a lot. Love, always. Zara."

BBC's response to Graziano Di Prima's exit

Di Prima has been part of the Strictly family since 2018. Previously, he has danced with Vick Hope, Judi Love and Kym Marsh. BBC spokesperson has confirmed Di Prima is "no longer a part of the line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series". Instead, Strictly legend Aljaz Skorjanec will return to the show.

The BBC said in a statement: "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."

Read more: Strictly 2024

• Strictly Come Dancing 2024 line-up rumours, start date and more

• Strictly 2024 pro dancers in full as Graziano Di Prima exits

What we don't know

Giada Lini's response

Giada Lini has yet to speak out about the claims that saw her husband leave Strictly. Lini is also a dancer and a star on the Italian version of Dancing With The Stars. Before the drama unfolded, the couple gave a joint interview to OK! magazine where they discussed the impact their training schedules has on their marriage.

Lini told the magazine: "When Dancing With The Stars begins in Italy, we are apart for three months. Of course, if one of us gets knocked out we can see each other, but of course, we hope we are not going out because we want to go all the way in the competitions."

Di Prima spoke about how Strictly is one of the "toughest times" because he is apart from his wife. He said: "It’s mixed feelings, because it’s the most wonderful time and I’m doing what I love the most. I am so lucky, Strictly changed my life. But at the same time, I am apart from my wife. It’s one of the toughest times. Strictly takes every minute of your life. From the moment you start until December, you work and live for Strictly."

Strictly in crisis

This is the latest drama to rock the 20th Strictly anniversary plans. Already this year there has been a lot of talk about the professional stars line-up. Amanda Abbington quit Strictly last year and later said Giovanni Pernice's teaching methods were "militant".

After nine years on the BBC show, Pernice has left as the BBC investigate "serious workplace misconduct". Pernice said he "rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour". "I look forward to clearing my name," he added.

Head judge Shirley Ballas has given her public backing to Pernice and she has said, "The truth will prevail." The investigation is ongoing and we are yet to find out the outcome.

This article originally appeared on Yahoo TV UK at https://uk.news.yahoo.com/graziano-di-prima-strictly-sacking-what-we-know-102846885.html