The Strictly Come Dancing dancer who has left the show over allegations of “gross misconduct” has admitted that he kicked partner Zara McDermott.
A spokesman for Graziano Di Prima told the BBC that the kick had taken place following multiple reports, adding: “There is never a time when kicking, or any sense of that is right.”
“He knows he’s made a mistake. He apologized at the time,” added the spokesman, Mark Borkowski. Borkowski said the Strictly training period can be “intense.”
Di Prima has left the lineup of the BBC stalwart this year following the allegations, which come with the show in the spotlight.
Former Love Island contestant McDermott, who has helmed a number of BBC documentaries, posted her own statement two days ago, saying she found videos of the events “incredibly distressing” to watch.
Posting on Instagram on Tuesday, McDermott said: “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.”
Following McDermott’s statement, the BBC said it will police all future rehearsals and add dedicated welfare producers.
Di Prima’s departure will land another blow on the BBC’s most popular entertainment show, this year celebrating its 20th anniversary and still one of the UK’s most popular TV exports.
Another popular dancer, Giovanni Pernice, has announced he is to leave the show, following allegations by a celebrity partner, actress Amanda Abbington, that she suffered PTSD after training with him. Pernice denies all reports of inappropriate behaviour, and the BBC’s investigation is continuing.