Strictly Come Dancing star Graziano Di Prima has confirmed he is leaving the show amid reports of alleged misconduct.
The 30-year-old Italian dancer said in a statement that he “deeply regrets” the events that led to his departure.
This comes after reports that Di Prima was fired from BBC A primetime show following allegations of serious misconduct against one of his former dance partners.
He wrote in a statement posted on Instagram: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win may have affected my training regimen.
“Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand that it is in the best interest of the program for me to step aside.
“While there are aspects of this story that involve outside influences that I cannot discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
“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.”
Di Prima joined Strictly in 2018 and her celebrity partners include radio DJ Vick Hope, Loose Women panelist Judi Love, TV presenter Kym Marsh and Love Island star Zara McDermott.
A BBC spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Graziano Di Prima is no longer part of the list of professional dancers for the next series of Strictly Come Dancing.
“While we never comment on individual cases, it is understood that the BBC has established robust due diligence procedures and, if issues arise, we will always take them seriously and act quickly as appropriate.”
Giovanni Pernice. Photo: PA
It comes after the broadcaster confirmed Giovanni Pernice would not be part of the lineup of professionals amid complaints about their teaching methods.
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The Italian dancer, 33, has previously dismissed claims that he displayed “abusive or threatening behaviour” as “simply false” and said he is “cooperating fully” with an ongoing BBC investigation.
Strictly is set to mark its 20th year in the upcoming series, with professionals including 2023 winner Vito Coppola and Amy Dowden, who missed last year’s series after being diagnosed with stage three breast cancer.
Aljaz Skorjanec, who won in his debut year in 2013 with model Abbey Clancy, is also expected to return to the show after a two-year break.
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