‘THIRD Strictly pro named as a person of interest amid show probe’ after Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice scandals as BBC crisis deepens

‘THIRD Strictly pro named as a person of interest amid show probe’ after Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice scandals as BBC crisis deepens

A 3rd Strictly Come Dancing skilled has reportedly been named as a ‘individual of curiosity’ within the wake of abuse and bullying allegations overshadowing the present.

Graziano Di Prima, 30, was axed from the present final week over experiences he verbally and bodily abused his movie star accomplice Zara McDermott, 27, throughout final 12 months’s sequence.

It got here simply weeks after Giovanni Pernice, 33, was suspended whereas a BBC probe is carried out over claims of off-camera misconduct made by Amanda Abbington, 50, and two different former celeb companions. 

And now The Sun experiences {that a} third skilled dancer – who’s not on the present – can also be a part of the probe into the BBC sequence.

A supply advised the publication: ‘An expert’s identify has come up, alongside Giovanni and Graziano.

A third Strictly Come Dancing professional has reportedly been named as a 'person of interest' in the wake of abuse and bullying allegations overshadowing the show

A third Strictly Come Dancing professional has reportedly been named as a 'person of interest' in the wake of abuse and bullying allegations overshadowing the show

A 3rd Strictly Come Dancing skilled has reportedly been named as a ‘individual of curiosity’ within the wake of abuse and bullying allegations overshadowing the present

Graziano Di Prima , 30, was axed from the show last week over reports he verbally and physically abused his celebrity partner Zara McDermott , 27, during last year's series

Graziano Di Prima , 30, was axed from the present final week over experiences he verbally and bodily abused his movie star accomplice Zara McDermott , 27, throughout final 12 months’s sequence 

It came just weeks after Giovanni Pernice , 33, was suspended while a BBC probe is conducted over claims of off-camera misconduct made by Amanda Abbington, 50, and two other former celeb partners

It got here simply weeks after Giovanni Pernice , 33, was suspended whereas a BBC probe is carried out over claims of off-camera misconduct made by Amanda Abbington, 50, and two different former celeb companions  

‘He’s not a part of the present however he has been named as an individual of curiosity. Conversations are ongoing and there are extra individuals who have to be spoken to.

‘A file is being compiled which might be handed over to the BBC. What’s changing into clear is that there seems to be a extra widespread problem over the conduct of a few of the professionals in coaching.

‘And the extra individuals who come ahead, the clearer the image is changing into.’ 

The BBC has been contacted by MailOnline for remark. 

On Tuesday Strictly bosses introduced plans to introduce chaperones throughout coaching, and the appointment of two new welfare producers, after Graziano’s shock sacking from the present.

Now, bosses have introduced that they’d be introducing ‘further steps to strengthen welfare and help on Strictly Come Dancing.’

An announcement from the company mentioned: ‘Considerations which have arisen in latest months have been essentially about coaching and rehearsals. The actions we announce at the moment are designed to deal with that.’

The brand new measures embrace a member of the manufacturing crew being current throughout coaching room rehearsals always, and elevated help for each movie star contestants and the skilled dancers.

On Tuesday Strictly bosses announced plans to introduce chaperones during training, and the appointment of two new welfare producers, after Graziano's shock sacking from the show

On Tuesday Strictly bosses introduced plans to introduce chaperones throughout coaching, and the appointment of two new welfare producers, after Graziano’s shock sacking from the present 

The announcement came just hours after former Love Island star Zara broke her silence on the scandal

The announcement got here simply hours after former Love Island star Zara broke her silence on the scandal 

She wrote on Instagram on Tuesday morning that while much of her time on Strictly 'was everything I could have dreamt of' inside the training room with Graziano there were 'particular incidents which are incredibly distressing'

She wrote on Instagram on Tuesday morning that whereas a lot of her time on Strictly ‘was every little thing I might have dreamt of’ contained in the coaching room with Graziano there have been ‘specific incidents that are extremely distressing’ 

Addressing his exit from the show, a ¿devastated¿ Di Prima wrote on Instagram over the weekend: ¿I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime¿

Addressing his exit from the present, a ‘devastated’ Di Prima wrote on Instagram over the weekend: ‘I deeply remorse the occasions that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense ardour and willpower to win may need affected my coaching regime’

A  Celeb Welfare Producer and a Skilled Dancer Welfare Producer will each be appointed to fulfil these added duties, and additional coaching can even be delivered for the manufacturing crew and crew.

Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director of Unscripted, mentioned: ‘While we all know our reveals have been constructive experiences for the overwhelming majority of those that have taken half, if points are raised with us, or we’re made conscious of inappropriate behaviour, we’ll all the time take that severely and act.

‘Considerations which have arisen have been essentially associated to coaching and rehearsals. The decisive steps we’ve taken and are introduced at the moment, act to additional strengthen the welfare and help in place for everybody concerned with this manufacturing.’

The announcement comes simply hours after former Love Island star Zara broke her silence on the scandal.

She wrote on Instagram on Tuesday morning that whereas a lot of her time on Strictly ‘was every little thing I might have dreamt of’ contained in the coaching room with Graziano there have been ‘specific incidents that are extremely distressing’.

‘I felt it was proper that I publish one thing relating to the latest media experiences,’ Zara started. ‘Strictly is likely one of the most magical reveals on TV and one which I dreamt of being on since I used to be a bit woman.’ 

‘Once I was invited to be a contestant on the present it actually was a childhood dream come true. I totally understood the extent of dedication and arduous work that Strictly was going to be and I devoted every little thing to it.’

‘I’m a resilient individual and I used to be totally ready to place in no matter it took.’ 

‘And a lot of my Strictly expertise was every little thing I might have dreamt of. Your complete manufacturing crew and everybody behind the scenes in addition to my fellow contestants have been so superb to value with.

‘Nevertheless, my expertise contained in the coaching room was very totally different. Stories have been made about my therapy on the present and there have been witnesses to some occasions, in addition to movies of specific incidents that are unbelievable distressing to look at.

Zara defined that she did not report the incidents on the time as she was ‘scared’ of backlash. 

Instead it was junior manufacturing workers who got here ahead to share what that they had witnessed because the investigation into professional dancer Giovanni was happening.

‘I’ve wrested with the worry of opening up – I used to be scared about public backlash, I used to be scared about my future, I used to be petrified of sufferer shaming,’ Zara wrote on Instagram.

‘However after loads of conversations with these I like, I’ve gained the energy to face these fears, and after I was requested to talk to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the present.

‘The tradition inside our society makes it tough for individuals to talk up particularly in a a world the place social media opinions and voices are so loud. That is one thing I’ve seen by means of working with numerous ladies on my documentaries.

‘I wish to thank the BBC and BBC Studios for his or her swift motion and extremely excessive stage of help, in addition to everybody who has reached out to me – it actually really means loads. Love, all the time. Zara.’

It got here following MailOnline’s unique experiences that the BBC has vowed to combat again after it was revealed that Graziano is taking authorized motion in opposition to the broadcaster.

Di Prima believes he ought to have been ‘supported and helped’ together with his behaviour after bosses warned him about his therapy of former Love Island Zara.

However a BBC insider advised the Mail: ‘Why would any office, notably one paid for by the general public, provide help to somebody who acted in an undoubtedly abhorrent method?’

Di Prima, who allegedly ‘kicked and hit’ Ms McDermott, argues that he was not given any recommendation on learn how to take care of the strain of competing within the present.

A buddy of the skilled dancer mentioned yesterday: ‘There are questions over their [the BBC’s] procedures, and the way they function behind the scenes. He [Di Prima] believes that there’s a lot of strain on professionals to get nines or tens to entertain the viewers.’

This paper revealed that Strictly manufacturing workers raised issues about Di Prima’s conduct final 12 months, however bosses solely went so far as to problem quiet warnings to him.

The group anticipated him to be sacked immediately. They’re mentioned to be livid that their complaints have been ignored, which means the abuse in the direction of Ms McDermott was allowed to proceed. Di Prima was even signed on for the upcoming 2024 sequence of Strictly.

A supply from the present mentioned: ‘There have been a number of events the place each bodily and verbal assaults have been made. It was extra bodily than verbal, however all of it was dreadful.’

It was not till workers received maintain of a video allegedly displaying Di Prima repeatedly hitting Ms McDermott – 9 months after their preliminary criticism – that he was fired.

They introduced it to BBC HR executives investigating dancer Giovanni Pernice, following claims from his 2023 accomplice, actress Amanda, that he bullied her in coaching. 

Pernice denies the claims and stop the present final month.

Addressing his exit from the present, a ‘devastated’ Di Prima wrote on Instagram over the weekend: ‘I deeply remorse the occasions that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense ardour and willpower to win may need affected my coaching regime.’ Yesterday the Mail revealed he has employed a lawyer and publicist in a bid to return out of the scandal as unscathed as doable.

Ms McDermott, who now presents documentaries for the BBC, is alleged to have been ‘too frightened’ to place a criticism in on the time, however is co-operating with investigators at current.

Zara ‘handed out’ throughout Strictly rehearsals along with her accomplice Graziano and was left sleeping on the ground from tiredness.

In a resurfaced video posted on the skilled dancer’s Instagram Story, Zara could be seen napping on the ground of the dance studio as she tried to get some relaxation after an exhausting coaching session.

Taken on October 25 simply days earlier than the pair have been eradicated from the present in week six, Graziano waited for her to get up as he captioned the snap: ‘She requested me 5 minutes break’. 

Later reposting the clip, after her slumber, she appeared to joke: ‘I believe I’ve clocked about 50k steps already at the moment with this routine. Give me a break pls’ alongside a laughing emoji. 

After Graziano shared the video of her napping Zara was fast to hit again by claiming she had achieved ‘double the workload’ of her skilled accomplice.

Sharing a selfie of herself heading to rehearsals that she captioned: ‘Graz simply had the audacity to name me and inform me his legs harm after rehearsals yesterday when he spent 50% of the day sitting down and analysing me doing the routine alone.

‘HOW DO YOU THINK I FEEL MATE @grazianodiprima.’

Nevertheless, the ‘passing out’ publish is not the primary trace of stress within the rehearsal room, because the pair additionally hinted at many squabbles and disagreements by means of a sequence of humorous TikTok movies. 

Since allegations emerged that Graziano ‘kicked and hit’ Zara throughout rehearsals, these movies have been seen in a special gentle. 

On September 19, Zara shared a humorous video wherein she claimed the skilled had in contrast her to a ‘camel’. 

Sharing a video of the pair at lunch, she added audio from an episode of The Kardashians, wherein Kourtney and Khloe have been rowing. 

Graziano was seen as Kourtney Kardashian was heard saying: ‘I believe you’re taking issues actually sensitively and that is high-quality, I simply have to not make these jokes with you.’  

It then minimize to Zara as Khloe Kardashian replied: ‘No, I believe they’re simply impolite.’ 

Because the digital camera panned again to Graziano, Kourtney mentioned: ‘Properly to me it is a joke however to you it is impolite so I wont make them.’ 

Zara captioned the video: ‘Once I get upset after he advised me I dance like a camel.’ 

Three days later, Zara poked enjoyable at Graziano not giving her time to take a break, sharing a video of herself consuming a sandwich whereas the dancer regarded exasperated and declared: ‘We have not received time!’ 

The next month, Zara joked that the pair had been rowing about meals.

She shared a clip of herself hiding from Graziano behind a curtain alongside audio footage from an iconic scene on This Morning in 2010. 

Within the audio, Holly Willoughby advised that if Gino D’Acampo added ham to his pasta dish it will be like a carbonara, prompting him to reply: ‘If my grandmother had wheels, she would have been a motorcycle.’

Zara captioned the clip: ‘POV you are speaking to an Italian about pasta.’ 

Graziano was fast to defend himself, posting a video as he defined: ‘I simply need to reply about Zara’s story saying that I used to be seated. I’m seated however I’m nonetheless working correcting her.’

Zara then chipped in: ‘I did double the workload to you yesterday and you’ve got the audacity to say your legs harm!’

As Graziano responded: ‘who has been correcting you?’ Zara hit again with ‘who’s been doing the work?’ however conceded when Graziano added: ‘who’s making you excellent?’

In the end, the pair’s Strictly journey got here to an finish that week, with the duo being eradicated after shedding the dance off to Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk. 

Talking about her expertise, Zara mentioned on the outcomes present: ‘I’ve had the time of my life. Simply to be right here is unbelievable. Thanks to the judges and my superb accomplice clearly.

‘My fellow contestants are simply unbelievable. It has been probably the most superb expertise. I can not consider it is over however I’m going to be right here in spirit each week supporting them.’

In the meantime, Graziana advised his dance accomplice that he was ‘so proud’ of her and mentioned she is what Strictly ‘is all about’.

He mentioned: ‘She has been nice for me 8am until 9pm. By no means stopping, asking only for a half an hour break.

‘She is actually what Strictly is all about. An actual novice, coming in, placing all of the arduous job.

‘You may have such a great soul. You might be so humble and I say thanks that I discovered a buddy such as you. I’ve learnt a lot from you. And your arduous work inside six weeks.

‘You may have by no means danced earlier than. I’m so happy with you. So happy with you actually.’

He later took to Instagram to share a snap of their Halloween Charleston, penning: ‘THIS PICTURE SAYS IT ALL!! You might be what Strictly is all about, with humbleness, zero ego, rehearsing 12 hours per day.

You went trough ache, plenty of .. AGAIN AGAIN AGAIN!! By no means complained, all the time pushing your self to study extra! YOU DID IT! Six week within the competitors for an individual that has by no means danced earlier than!! ❤️

‘It is a huge achievement, you will have grown a lot, in confidence and in addition in dancing!!

‘THANK YOU FOR TRUSTING ME ! I am so happy with you!! So proud to name you my buddy!! ❤️’ 

Zara additionally shared a gushing publish about her time on the present and her accomplice. 

Within the caption, she shared: ‘From the day I met you Graz, you advised me each day that I’m robust, stunning and assured. I consider that every little thing occurs for a cause, and I do know that we have been meant to be buddies for all times. 

‘You may have taught me a lot about myself and our laughter each single day has introduced me a lot pleasure. I by no means received bored of spending over 12 hours a day with you, and your work ethic has impressed me past phrases.

‘You made me consider in myself in these moments that I completely did not and the bond we’ve constructed is really an unbreakable one.’

Zara has since deleted the publish. Nevertheless, she nonetheless has footage and movies with Graziano on her feed. 

In keeping with The Sun, BBC bosses have been introduced with video of Graziano’s actions on Thursday, earlier than chatting with Zara forward of the weekend and at last sacking the Italian on Monday.

A supply advised the publication: ‘Graziano has held up his arms and admits his behaviour was excessive and unacceptable. He is aware of there isn’t a return and fairly rightly. But why was no motion taken sooner to nip this example within the bud?

‘Graziano feels if he had acquired correct help and a few type of anger administration coaching, an escalation might have been prevented.

‘For the Beeb’s half, Graziano was not the one dancer being spoken to and so they had completely no concept in regards to the alleged kicking — which it’s claimed occurred twice — and as quickly as they have been alerted, they took decisive motion and fired him.’

They added: ‘Graziano is in bits. He’s being monitored 24/7 by his spouse Giada and mum who has moved in to maintain him.

‘This entire Strictly fiasco is getting more and more poisonous, and the BBC finds itself making an attempt to finish an investigation whereas overseeing obligation of care to all.’

Whereas a BBC insider insisted: ‘There was no procrastinating. The video proof was utterly and completely plain. 

‘It solely confirmed one incident, but it surely shortly turned obvious from speaking to Zara that verbal and bodily abuse allegedly befell a number of occasions. She was extremely courageous.’

As extra surprising allegations have come to gentle over Graziano’s sacking, there was a marked distinction in public help for him.

Beforehand, his followers and well-known buddies had rallied behind him, together with fellow Strictly stars Katya Jones, Susannah Constantine and Catherine Tyldesley, who preferred and commented on his Instagram publish saying his departure. 

Nevertheless, Catherine – who was partnered with Johannes Radebe within the present in 2019 – has now eliminated one in every of her extra supportive feedback.

The Corrie star initially wrote: ‘What noooo’ earlier than including: ‘You’re the kindest, extremely proficient, most mild man… I am so sorry. Sending you a lot love x’.

However now the second gushing remark has been deleted, with solely the primary remaining on Graziano’s publish.

The message on Graziano’s Instagram reads: ‘I deeply remorse the occasions that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense ardour and willpower to win may need affected my coaching regime. 

‘Whereas respecting the BBC HR course of, I acknowledge it is solely proper for the sake of the present that I step away. I’m saddened that I wasn’t allowed to supply a quote to the web information tales, and I tackle board the sensitivity of the state of affairs. 

‘There’s extra to this story that I’m unable to debate presently, however I’m dedicated to being robust for my household and buddies. I want the Strictly household nothing however success sooner or later.’

In the meantime, each Zara and her boyfriend Sam Thompson have since unfollowed  Graziano, however she nonetheless follows his spouse, Giada Lini.

Fellow Italian Giada, who additionally danced as an expert on Strictly, has but to talk out about her husband’s premature departure. 

It’s the newest blow suffered by the BBC present, which remains to be watched by greater than ten million individuals, as allegations in opposition to fellow Strictly star Giovanni Pernice are nonetheless being investigated.

Graziano joined Strictly in 2018 and was final 12 months partnered with Love Island star Zara however they have been eradicated in week six.

He was beforehand paired with presenter Vick Hope, Unfastened Girls star Judi Love and in 2022 he reached the quarter-final with actor Kym Marsh.

It has heaped additional turmoil on Strictly, which is deemed to be the jewel within the Company’s crown and remains to be watched by greater than ten million individuals.

Sources have advised the Mail that the accusations have prompted bosses to increase the inquiry to have a look at different issues, and people, concerned with the dance sequence as they put together for its twentieth anniversary.

It implies that Pernice, who has already let his frustrations on the investigation be identified, faces an excellent longer anticipate an consequence after three former dance companions, together with actress Abbington, instructed legal professionals to make ‘critical complaints’ about his conduct.

It additionally threatens to break Strictly, the BBC’s largest Saturday evening success story since The Era Sport.

Zara 'passed out' during rehearsal with Strictly partner Graziano  in a 'resurfaced' video from last October after he was accused of 'hitting and kicking her' in rehearsals

Zara ‘handed out’ throughout rehearsal with Strictly accomplice Graziano  in a ‘resurfaced’ video from final October after he was accused of ‘hitting and kicking her’ in rehearsals

Both Zara and her boyfriend Sam Thompson have since unfollowed Graziano, but she still follows his wife, Giada Lini (Zara and Sam pictured)

Each Zara and her boyfriend Sam Thompson have since unfollowed Graziano, however she nonetheless follows his spouse, Giada Lini (Zara and Sam pictured) 

Amanda, left the competition mid-way through the series, citing personal reasons after weeks of rumours about a feud with Giovanni (pictured during rehersals)

Amanda, left the competitors mid-way by means of the sequence, citing private causes after weeks of rumours a couple of feud with Giovanni (pictured throughout rehersals) 

A tv supply advised the Mail: ‘This investigation is not simply solely about Giovanni however different, extra wider points. The present has been going for 20 years and the entire veneer of Strictly is so sparkly and wonderful, in fact there’ll all the time be individuals who really feel arduous achieved by.

‘Amanda’s complaints have began one thing huge, it has opened the door for others to return ahead about issues they have not been proud of.

‘It’s all a giant headache for the BBC, it’s about to have fun a large milestone with its twentieth anniversary.

‘Having the Giovanni criticism has been a large enough problem, however now it seems like there may be extra to be scrutinised and regarded into.’

Sources near Pernice say that he totally expects to be exonerated.

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