Former Strictly Come Dancing star Graziano Di Prima has made a shock return to the UK after fleeing the country following his kicking scandal as he shared some huge news
Strictly Come Dancing star Graziano Di Prima has made a dramatic return to the UK after his show scandal last year.
The professional dancer was sacked by BBC bosses in the summer amid claims he “hit, spat at and kicked” his celebrity dance partner Zara McDermott. He fled the UK to return to his native Italy with his wife Giada, where it was reported he was working on a vineyard. However, Graziano has now made a comeback to the country as he brushes off any backlash.
In December, he returned to Instagram for the first time since July as he announced his return to dancing after a “period of reflection” and said that he felt “stronger than ever”. The dance professional enjoyed a glittering career on the BBC’s long-running dance competition – featuring on the line-up from 2018.
He has continued to prove he will not give up his career as he revealed his exciting new gig. Graziano told fans he will be running a London dance class and urged them to sign up. Making his huge comeback, the dancer said: “Ciao everyone. I’ve finally got beautiful news. April 27, I will be in London at the Dance Attic teaching you two incredible classes.
“I cannot wait to see you all and most of all to dance with you all – we’re going to have fun!” Last year, Graziano’s Strictly sparkle was washed off to uncover an alleged abusive underside. He was forced to admit he had kicked his celebrity partner Zara while they were working together on Strictly in 2023 and he then dropped out of the show in shame.
It came at the same time the corporation were investigating actress Amanda Abbington ‘s complaints about her former dance partner Giovanni Pernice. They were partnered together on the 2023 series of Strictly and Amanda made allegations of “bullying” and “aggressive behaviour,” but Giovanni has always denied “abusive or threatening behaviour”.
Graziano told his followers on Instagram: “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. While respecting the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it’s only right for the sake of the show that I step away. I am saddened that I wasn’t allowed to offer a quote to the online news stories, and I take on board the sensitivity of the situation. There’s more to this story that I am unable to discuss at this time, but I am committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family nothing but success in the future.”
Since his axe, Graziano has still received the support from some of his Strictly co-stars. He was seen catching up with his friend and Strictly dancer Vito Coppola late last year over a cup of coffee. Vito took to his Instagram Stories to share a picture of the two sitting at a cafe enjoying hot chocolate in the chilly December weather. They both wrapped up warm and held their cups together as they smiled for the camera. Vito wrote: “Amico mio ti voglio bene’, which translates to “My friend I love you.”
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