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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.
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.’
According to The Sun, Graziano has “called in top 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
Addressing his exit from the show, Graziano confirmed and “deeply regretted” his actions against Zara and cited his “intense passion” for his behavior.
Graziano Di Prima (left) was previously linked to comedian and Loose Women star Judi Love (right) in 2021.
He also reached the quarter-finals of the dance show with actor Kym Marsh (right) in 2022.
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.
STRICTLY 2024 LINEUP
Chris McCausland
Age: 46
Profession: Comedian
Chris says: “If anyone is thinking, ‘How the hell is he going to do that?’ rest assured, I’m thinking exactly the same thing.”
Dr. Punam Krishan
Age: unknown
Profession: Family doctor and announcer
Punam says: ‘I’ve watched Strictly every year and it feels even more special that it’s the 20th year, I can’t believe it’s me who’s going to be on Strictly.’
Willcox Toy Store
Age: 66
Profession: Singer, actor, presenter
Toyah says: “I’m so excited and I love this show. Being a part of it, the spray tan and the glow. It’s a landmark year for me. I came in as a retiree, went to Glasto and now I’m spray tanning.”
Pete Wicks
Age: 36
Profession: Reality star
Pete says: “Dancing live in front of the whole country every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying.”
Shayne Neighborhood
Age: 39
Profession: Actor and singer
Shayne says: ‘I’m no stranger to live television, but dancing Latin and ballroom in front of millions of people is a whole new level.’
Tom Dean
Age: 24
Profession: Olympic medal-winning swimmer
Tom says: “I can now officially talk about how excited I am to embark on something new, meet brilliant people and start dancing.”
Nick Knowles
Age: 61
Profession: TV presenter
Nick says, ‘I’m going for it. I’m going to give it 100 percent!’
JB Gill
Age: 37
Profession: Singer
JB says: “A lot of ballroom dance styles are very foreign to me. I didn’t do those dances as a kid. I’m not a professional dancer.”
Wynne Evans
Age: 52
Profession: Opera singer, presenter
Wynne says: ‘The things that make me nervous are the ones that involve jumping, I don’t really want to do the jive, I get nervous about that.
Tasha Ghouri
Age: 25
Profession: Model and reality star
Tasha says: ‘I’ve been watching the show since I was little, it’s a Ghouri family favourite so this is totally a dream come true.’
Sarah Hadland
Age: 53
Profession: Actress
Sarah says: ‘I’m particularly excited to be part of such an iconic show in its 20th year.’
Jamie Borthwick
Age: 30
Profession: EastEnders star
Jamie says: ‘I had a blast making the Christmas special, so when I was asked to take part, the easiest answer was ‘yes!’
Sam Quek
Age: 35
Profession: Former Great Britain hockey player and presenter
Sam says: “I’m so relieved that it’s out now. I’ve found it hard to keep a secret! Rumours were spreading and I had to lie. I’m used to dancing on a girls’ night out but I’m going to give it my all.”
Pablo Merson
Age: 56
Profession: Former footballer
Paul says: ‘I won’t worry until it starts, but when it does start I’ll be nervous. I’ve only danced three times in my life!’