Second ‘Strictly’ Dancer Exits BBC Show Amid Conduct Allegations

A second dancer has left Strictly Come Dancing amid a BBC investigation into conduct on the show.

Italian dancer Graziano di Prima said: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly”, in a statement posted to Instagram, confirming his exit from the BBC show.

His departure follows reports of allegations about his conduct with a past participant of the primetime show. He wrote: “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.”

The BBC confirmed that Di Prima is no longer part of the line-up of professional dancers for 2024’s series and said it will always “act swiftly as appropriate” in response to concerns.

A BBC spokesperson said: “It is well-known that the BBC has established robust duty of care procedures, and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate.”

Di Prima joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2018, and has been the professional dance partner to Love Island’s Zara McDermott, the DJ and presenter Vick Hope, Loose Women’s Judi Love and actress Kym Marsh during his time on the show.

The news follows the departure of fellow dancer Giovanni Pernice earlier this year, amid allegations about his teaching methods, after his celebrity dance partner Amanda Abbington withdrew from the show citing “personal reasons”.

Pernice denied allegations, saying on his Instagram account: “I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.”

He later confirmed that he is “cooperating fully with the BBC investigation”. Abbington is reported to be considering legal action.

This autumn’s series of Strictly Come Dancing will mark the 20th anniversary of the show.