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Strictly Come Dancing could be plunged into further crisis as former professional dancer Graziano Di Prima is reportedly taking legal action against the BBC.
The Italian dancer, 30, was axed from the show in July following reports he verbally and physically abused his celebrity partner Zara McDermott during last year’s series.
According The sun Graziano has now “called in top-level lawyers to sue the BBC” in an attempt to clear his name.
Lawyers at Whitestone Chambers have “already read thousands of text and WhatsApp messages” and believe the Italian “could sue for unfair dismissal”.
A source said: “Graziano feels he was not given a fair chance to give his side of the story so is heartened to hear the legal team think he has a case for unfair dismissal.”
Strictly Come Dancing could be plunged into further crisis as former professional dancer Graziano Di Prima is believed to be taking legal action against the broadcaster.
![Strictly's Graziano Di Prima 'to sue BBC for unfair dismissal' and has 'already hired top lawyers' after being fired from show 7 In July, Graziano was fired, accused of](https://whatsnew2day.com/wp-content/uploads/cwv-webp-images/2024/08/Strictlys-Graziano-Di-Prima-to-sue-BBC-for-unfair-dismissal.jpeg.webp)
In July, Graziano was sacked, accused of “kicking” his famous dance partner, Love Island star Zara McDermott, during their time on the show together (both pictured).
“They have also reviewed his contract with the BBC and believe there are grounds for a lawsuit. He is weighing up his options but remains hopeful that he can clear his name,” he added.
MailOnline has contacted representatives for Graziano and the BBC for comment.
Production staff strictly expressed concerns about Graziano’s conduct last year, but bosses only went so far as to issue silent warnings.
The group expected him to be sacked 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 their hands on a video that allegedly showed Graziano repeatedly punching McDermott, nine months after his initial complaint, that he was fired.
Graziano later confirmed and regretted his actions against Zara.
Addressing his exit 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 may have affected my training regime.’
![Strictly's Graziano Di Prima 'to sue BBC for unfair dismissal' and has 'already hired top lawyers' after being fired from show 9 According to The Sun, Graziano has](https://whatsnew2day.com/wp-content/uploads/cwv-webp-images/2024/08/1724572093_42_Strictlys-Graziano-Di-Prima-to-sue-BBC-for-unfair-dismissal.jpeg.webp)
According to The Sun, Graziano has “called in top lawyers to sue the BBC” in an attempt to clear his name.
![Strictly's Graziano Di Prima 'to sue BBC for unfair dismissal' and has 'already hired top lawyers' after being fired from show 11 Lawyers at Whitestone Chambers have already read thousands of text and WhatsApp messages and believe the Italian could sue for unfair dismissal](https://whatsnew2day.com/wp-content/uploads/cwv-webp-images/2024/08/1724572098_320_Strictlys-Graziano-Di-Prima-to-sue-BBC-for-unfair-dismissal.jpeg.webp)
Lawyers at Whitestone Chambers have already read thousands of text and WhatsApp messages and believe the Italian could sue for unfair dismissal
![Strictly's Graziano Di Prima 'to sue BBC for unfair dismissal' and has 'already hired top lawyers' after being fired from show 13 Addressing his departure from the program, Graziano confirmed and](https://whatsnew2day.com/wp-content/uploads/cwv-webp-images/2024/08/1724572102_433_Strictlys-Graziano-Di-Prima-to-sue-BBC-for-unfair-dismissal.jpg.webp)
Addressing his exit from the show, Graziano confirmed and “deeply regretted” his actions against Zara and cited his “intense passion” for his behavior.
![Strictly's Graziano Di Prima 'to sue BBC for unfair dismissal' and has 'already hired top lawyers' after being fired from show 15 Graziano Di Prima (left) was previously linked to comedian and Loose Women star Judi Love (right) in 2021.](https://whatsnew2day.com/wp-content/uploads/cwv-webp-images/2024/08/1724572106_480_Strictlys-Graziano-Di-Prima-to-sue-BBC-for-unfair-dismissal.jpeg.webp)
Graziano Di Prima (left) was previously linked to comedian and Loose Women star Judi Love (right) in 2021.
![Strictly's Graziano Di Prima 'to sue BBC for unfair dismissal' and has 'already hired top lawyers' after being fired from show 17 He also reached the quarter-finals of the dance show with actor Kym Marsh (right) in 2022.](https://whatsnew2day.com/wp-content/uploads/cwv-webp-images/2024/08/1724572111_720_Strictlys-Graziano-Di-Prima-to-sue-BBC-for-unfair-dismissal.jpeg.webp)
He also reached the quarter-finals of the dance show with actor Kym Marsh (right) in 2022.
![Strictly's Graziano Di Prima 'to sue BBC for unfair dismissal' and has 'already hired top lawyers' after being fired from show 19 Strictly Come Dancing returns to the BBC every weekend from September with presenters Tess Daley and Claudia Winkleman returning as hosts.](https://whatsnew2day.com/wp-content/uploads/cwv-webp-images/2024/08/1724572115_522_Strictlys-Graziano-Di-Prima-to-sue-BBC-for-unfair-dismissal.jpeg.webp)
Strictly Come Dancing returns to the BBC every weekend from September with presenters Tess Daley and Claudia Winkleman returning as hosts.
‘While I respect the BBC’s HR process, I recognise that for the sake of the programme it is right that I step away. I am saddened that I have not been allowed to give a quote to Online News and appreciate the sensitivity of the situation.
“There is more to this story that I cannot comment on at this time, but I am committed to staying strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family every 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 he reached the quarter-finals with actor Kym Marsh.