STRICTLY’s Graziano Di Prima has been axed from the BBC show over allegations of physical and verbal behaviour towards his dance partner Zara McDermott, we can reveal. The Italian dancer, 30, will not appear in the next series of the programme despite the Beeb announcing him in the line-up. TV insiders said Graziano was let go on Monday evening following an internal investigation into a number of physical incidents involving Zara, who appeared with him on the show last year.
It comes after The Sun revealed that Strictly star Amanda Abbington was considering fresh legal action after Giovanni Pernice refused to release their rehearsal videos. Her lawyers believe the tapes will support misconduct accusations against the pro dancer, who the BBC continues to investigate. Giovanni, 33, denies the claims against him.
However Strictly insiders wondered “what he had to hide” when he blocked the release of training footage with Ms Abbington, 50. A source said: “Amanda and her legal team asked to have access to the tapes. “ The BBC contacted Giovanni and his legal team to get their consent but they refused.
“Amanda’s legal team are now weighing up an appeal to the Information Commissioner’s Office to get access to the evidence as they think it is vital in helping support her claims. “He claims the allegations are false — she insists they will validate every one of her grievances. "To be clear, the BBC are reviewing the tapes and taking them very seriously.
"But the.
