Graziano Di Prima broke his silence for the first time in months as he teased his return to the spotlight on Tuesday.
The professional dancer, 30, was sacked by the BBC following allegations of serious misconduct towards his ex-partner Zara McDermott.
Now, four months after his departure, Graziano has taken to social media to share that he is eager to return to the stage.
Graziano shared a moody video of himself walking on a bridge at night, before he was joined by his wife, Giada Lini, who is also a professional dancer.
Along with the clip, Graziano wrote: “Dance has always been the center of my life, my greatest passion, the path I chose and to which I dedicated years of study, sacrifice and love. After a period of reflection, I feel stronger than ever and eager to get back to what I love most: dancing.’
Graziano Di Prima broke his silence for the first time in months as he teased his return to the spotlight on Tuesday.
Graziano shared a video of himself in a bad mood walking on a bridge at night, before he was joined by his wife, Giada Lini, who is also a professional dancer.
He continued: “The future is a whole world of new windows open, ready to welcome new dreams and new challenges, and I am excited to continue this journey with even more determination and inspiration.”
Speaking to her fans, Graziano added: “A sincere thank you to everyone who is always there for me. I am delighted to be dancing again with the same enthusiasm and dedication as always.
“See you soon, whether on stage or through new projects that I will be very excited to share with you.”
According to The Sun, Graziano has “called in top lawyers to sue the BBC” in a bid to clear his name.
Lawyers at Whitestone Chambers “have already read thousands of text and WhatsApp messages” and believe that the Italian “could file a claim for unfair dismissal.”
A source said: “Graziano feels he was not allowed a fair chance to give his side of the story, so he was encouraged to hear the legal team think he has a case for unfair dismissal.”
Along with the clip, Graziano wrote: “Dance has always been the center of my life, my greatest passion, the path I chose and to which I dedicated years of study, sacrifice and love. After a period of reflection, I feel stronger than ever and eager to get back to what I love most: dancing.’
In July, Graziano was sacked, accused of ‘kicking’ his famous dance partner, Love Island star Zara McDermott, during their time together on the show (both pictured).
They added: “They have also examined his contract with the BBC and believe there are grounds to sue him.” He is weighing his options, but is hopeful he can clear his name.
MailOnline has contacted Graziano’s representatives and the BBC for comment.
Strictly production staff expressed concern about Graziano’s behavior last year, but bosses only went so far as to issue him quiet warnings.
The group expected him to be fired immediately. They are said to be furious that their complaints were ignored, meaning the abuse towards Zara was allowed to continue and Graziano was even booked for the upcoming 2024 series of Strictly.
It wasn’t until staff got hold of a video allegedly showing Graziano repeatedly punching Ms. McDermott (nine months after her initial complaint) that he was fired.
Graziano later confirmed and regretted his actions against Zara.
Addressing his departure from the show, a “devastated” Di Prima wrote on Instagram: “I am deeply sorry for the events that led to my departure from Strictly.”
“My intense passion and determination to win could have affected my training regimen.”
Addressing his departure from the show, Graziano confirmed and “deeply regretted” his actions against Zara citing his “intense passion” for her behavior.
Graziano Di Prima (left) had previously teamed up with comedian and Loose Women star Judi Love (right) in 2021.
She also reached the quarterfinals of the dance show with actor Kym Marsh (right) in 2022.
“While I respect the BBC’s human resources process, I recognize that it is right for me to step away for the good of the programme. I am saddened that I was not allowed to offer a quote from the online news, and take into account the sensitivity of the situation.
‘There is more to this story that I cannot 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.’
Graziano joined Strictly in 2018 and was partnered with the former Love Island star last year, but they were eliminated in week six.
He was previously paired with presenter Vick Hope, Loose Women star Judi Love, and in 2022 reached the quarter-finals with actor Kym Marsh.