by Zara McDermott said she “struggled with the fear of opening up” about her time on Strictly Come Dancing because she feared “public humiliation” and “victim shaming”, after her former professional partner Graziano Di Prima left the show.
It was confirmed at the weekend that the Italian dancer is no longer part of the 2024 professional team and Di Prima said his “passion and determination to win” could be affecting his training regime.
Former Love Island star and documentary maker McDermott, who starred alongside Di Prima in the latest series, said in a statement that she feared the public backlash when she spoke about her time on the show amid allegations of abuse verbal and physical towards him.
In an Instagram post on Tuesday, the Love Island star began: “I felt it was right to post something about the recent media reports. Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV and one I’ve dreamed of being on since I was a little girl.
“When I was invited to be a contestant on the show it really was a childhood dream. I fully understood the level of commitment and hard work that Strictly was going to be and I dedicated everything to it. I am a resilient person and I was fully prepared to put in whatever there was.
“And so much of my Strictly experience has been everything I could have dreamed of. The entire production team and everyone behind the scenes as well as my fellow contestants were so wonderful to work with.
“However, my experience in the training room was very different. There have been reports about how I was treated on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents that are very distressing to see.
“I struggled with the fear of opening up – I was afraid of the public’s backlash, I was afraid of my future, I was afraid of victim shaming. But after many conversations with those I love, I have found the strength to face those fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke honestly about my time on the show.
“The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak up, especially in a world where the opinions and voices of social media are so loud. This is something I have seen through working with many women on my documentaries.”
McDermott also thanked the BBC and BBC Studios, which make Strictly, for their “quick action and incredibly high level of support”.
The BBC has said that if issues are raised with it, it will “always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate”.
McDermott’s statement comes as insiders have revealed that Di Prima is said to be preparing to leave the UK, planning to make a fresh start in Italy with his wife Giada, who stars on the Italian version of Strictly.
A source told The Sun that the dancer has gone into hiding, claiming: “Graziano is in trouble and in a bad place. The insider told the outlet: “He’s getting support from his wife Giada and they plan to pack up and move back. to Italy. This killed his career and he knows it.
“Going back to Italy for a new start is the best thing for him and Giada.”
Di Prima announced that he was leaving the program on Saturday, initially without giving any reason for his departure before the next series.
Then, on Sunday, Di Prima, 30, issued a statement addressing the allegations: “The events that led to my departure from Strictly are very unfortunate. My intense passion and determination may have had an impact to beat my training regime.”
“While respecting the BBC’s HR process, I understand that what I eat is the best thing for the show. Although 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 all the best for the future. I would also like to thank everyone who has supported my career, professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.”
Love Island and Made in star Chelsea McDermott was eliminated alongside Di Prima in the fifth week of the show last year.
He joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2018 and has also partnered radio DJ Vick Hope, Loose Women panellist Judi Love and TV presenter Kym Marsh.
“I wish the Strictly family and the BBC all the best in the future,” he said.
“I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.”
The broadcaster is said to have cast Di Prima in this year’s series but has now taken steps to replace him.
A BBC spokesman said at the time: “We can confirm that Graziano Di Prima is no longer part of the professional dancers for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
“While we would not comment on individual cases, it is well known that the BBC has strong duty of care procedures in place, and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate.”
It comes after confirming that Giovanni Pernice will not be part of the 2024 professionals amid allegations about his teaching methods, which he denies.
Pernice previously said in a statement that he is co-operating fully with the BBC’s ongoing investigation and that he looks forward to clearing my name.
