Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Graziano Di Prima has left the show.
The BBC has confirmed Di Prima's exit following rumours that the pro had been axed from the show. He will not be returning to the Strictly ballroom later this year for its 2024 series.
A spokesperson for the BBC 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 and robust duty of care procedures, and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate."
Related: Strictly's Ian Waite confirms split from husband Drew Merriman
Confirming his exit from the show in a statement on Instagram, Graziano wrote: "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.
What to Read Next
"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."
During the 2023 series of Strictly, Di Prima was partnered with former Love Island star Zara McDermott. McDermott is at the forefront of rumours that suggest Di Prima was fired following claims of gross misconduct towards her.
Related: Strictly Come Dancing star Rose Ayling-Ellis lands huge new TV job
Earlier this month, Di Prima opened up about the Strictly "curse" during a joint interview with his wife Giada making no mention of his leaving the show.
Speaking to OK!, Giada said: "The 'curse' is in every job, it could happen in an office or a bar. I think the most important thing is trusting the person."
Graziano, who has appeared on the dancing show since 2018, added: "We do the same job – we are professional dancers.
"We respect each other and have principles, and we try to share everything we are going through in the season with each other. Giada is my best friend, she knows everything. When you don't want to do things in the wrong way, you never even think of it."
Strictly Come Dancing will return later this year on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Interested in talking about Strictly? Visit our dedicated sub-forum
Read more Strictly news on our dedicated homepage
Reporter, Digital Spy
Harriet is a freelance news writer specialising in TV and movies at Digital Spy.
A horror enthusiast, she joined Digital Spy after working on her own horror website, reviewing films and focusing largely on feminism in the genre.
In her spare time, Harriet paints and produces mixed-media art. She graduated from the University of Kingston with a BA in fine art, where she specialised in painting. She also has an MA in journalism from Birkbeck University.
News Editor, Digital Spy
Emma is an experienced entertainment news journalist with NCTJ accreditation and a First-Class Honours Degree in Journalism. Having started her career as a broadcast journalist, Emma’s voice has been heard on varying radio stations across the UK including Absolute, Magic, BBC Three Counties Radio, LBC London News and more.
Later specialising in multimedia entertainment news, Emma has brushed shoulders with numerous famous faces and interviewed the likes of Edward Norton, Margot Robbie, Sir Michael Palin, Rick Astley, and too many soap stars to count. Having produced a range of engaging news content over the years for brands such as 7Digital’s Entertainment News, Yahoo, and Express Online, Emma eventually joined Digital Spy in 2022 as Deputy News Editor, becoming Acting News Editor in 2023 and then News Editor in 2024.
While she’s gained lots of praise during celebrity interviews throughout her career, the most memorable compliment Emma’s ever received was when a Game of Thrones star remarked "Your teeth are stunning!". LinkedIn
