Graziano Di Prima 'was sacked from Strictly after alleged altercation with partner Zara McDermott'

Graziano Di Prima was axed from Strictly Come Dancing following an altercation with his former dance partner Zara McDermott, according to reports.

BBC bosses reportedly made the decision to remove the Italian professional dancer from the show after viewing footage of the incident.

Di Prima announced his departure from the programme on Saturday, initially without providing a reason for his exit before the next series.

Di Prima, 30, has since issued a statement addressing the incident: "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."

Strictly star Zara McDermott (Ian West/PA Wire)

The Sun has claimed that Di Prima's departure from Strictly Come Dancing was due to multiple incidents involving McDermott, his dance partner for the 2023 series.

A source told the paper that footage of the alleged altercation “reduced those who have seen it to tears.”

However, the video in question has not been made public or republished.

Love Island and Made in Chelsea star McDermott was eliminated alongside Di Prima in the fifth week of the show last year. 

He joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2018 and has also been partnered with radio DJ Vick Hope, Loose Women panellist Judi Love and TV presenter Kym Marsh.

“I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future,” he added. 

“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.”

The BBC is said to have taken action on Monday following allegations. 

The broadcaster is said to have cast Di Prima in this year’s series but has now taken steps to line up a replacement. 

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.”