Zara McDermott has said she “wrestled with the fear of opening up” about her time on Strictly Come Dancing because she feared “public backlash” and “victim shaming”, following her former professional partner Graziano Di Prima’s exit from the show.
It was confirmed at the weekend that the Italian dancer is no longer part of the 2024 professional line-up and Di Prima has said his “intense passion and determination to win might have affected” his training regime.
Former Love Island star and documentary maker McDermott, who was paired with Di Prima in the most recent series, said in a statement she feared the public’s response when talking about her time on the show amid allegations of verbal and physical abuse towards her.
In an Instagram post on Tuesday, the Love Island star began: “I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports. Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV and one that I dreamt 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 come true. 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 it took.
“And so much of my Strictly experience was everything I could have dreamt of. The entire production team and everyone behind the scenes as well as my fellow contestants were so amazing to work with.
“However, my experience inside the training room was very different. Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch.
“I have wrestled with the fear of opening up- I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming. But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I’ve gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show.
“The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak up, especially in a world where social media opinions and voices are so loud. This is something I’ve seen through working with countless women on my documentaries.”
McDermott also thanked the BBC and BBC Studios, which makes Strictly, for their “swift action and incredibly high level of support”.
The BBC has said if issues are raised with it, it will “always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate”.
McDermott’s statement comes as insiders revealed that Di Prima is already preparing to leave the UK, planning to start anew 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 petrified and in a bad place.The insider told the outlet: “He is being supported by his wife Giada and they are planning to pack up and move back to Italy. This has killed his career dead and he knows it.
“Going back to Italy for a new beginning is what is best for him and Giada.”
Di Prima announced his departure from the programme on Saturday, initially without providing a reason for his exit before the next series.
Then on Sunday, Di Prima, 30, issued a statement addressing the allegations: “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.”
“Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away. While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t 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.”
Love Island and Made in Chelsea star 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 been partnered with radio DJ Vick Hope, Loose Women panellist Judi Love and TV presenter Kym Marsh.
“I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future,” he added.
“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.”
The broadcaster is said to have cast Di Prima in this year’s series but has now taken steps to line up a replacement.
A BBC spokesperson said at the time: “We can confirm that Graziano Di Prima is no longer a part of the line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
“While we would never comment on individual cases, 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.”
It comes after it was confirmed Giovanni Pernice will not be part of the 2024 line-up of professionals amid allegations about his teaching methods, which he rejects.
Pernice previously said in a statement he is co-operating fully with an ongoing BBC investigation and that he looks “forward to clearing my name”.
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