STRICTLY Come Dancing has been plunged further into crisis after pro dancer Nadiya Bychkova lodged a complaint against the show, new reports claim.
The Ukrainian dancer, who we exclusively revealed has split from her co-star boyfriend Kai Widdrington, met with bosses to air her grievances.
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An insider told the Mail: “Nadiya got in touch out of the blue and wanted to talk to the bosses. They are taking every single murmur of a complaint seriously now so she was immediately asked in.
“She has been on the show for some years so will have seen and lot and possibly also experienced unpleasant behaviour, she will have worked with many people.
“Things really are getting serious now, it is a mess and it is getting worse by the day.”
Against the backdrop of her alleged “upset” with the show, Nadiya has been dealing with heartache.
We revealed she and Kai “grew apart” after two “blissful” years together.
“It’s heartbreaking,” a friend said.
They continued: “Kai and Nadiya seemed like the most perfect couple and have been so, so blissfully in love.
“But the pressures of touring – being in each other’s space 24/7, and the stress of performing a sell-out show eventually took its toll.
“They had been drifting emotionally for a while, and things actually came to a head during the tour – ironically called Behind The Magic – which, obviously, was incredibly problematic.
“They had to dance sexily and romantically together for days and nights on end, whilst trying to work through their off-stage problems. It must have been exhausting on every level.
“But they didn’t want to let down their fans, and were consummate professionals: they knew the show, quite literally, must go on.
“After a rough few weeks, they sat down together once the tour was over and decided to call it quits. It was a mutual decision.”
Strictly will return this September with the same hosting and judging line-up as the 2023 series.
Neither Giovanni Pernice or Graziano Di Prima will be part of the professional dancing line-up following two training room misconduct scandals.
Giovanni, 33, quit the show after complaints from four celebrity dancers, including Amnada Abbington, were made against him.
Actress Amanda claimed his harsh training methods left her with mild post-traumatic stress disorder and led to her quitting the show.
Meanwhile Graziano was sacked after shocking video footage showing him spitting and kicking celeb partner Zara McDermott was shown to bosses.
Today a spokesman for Graziano admitted he kicked Zara once and was apologetic for his behaviour.
He described the dancer as “vulnerable” after he fled to his home island of Sicily where he is currently working for £6-an-hour on a farm.
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Graziano Di Prima – Strictly statement in FULL
GRAZIANO Di Prima has addressed his Strictly Come Dancing sacking with a statement on social media – see the details below.
In a statement shared to his Instagram page Graziano wrote: “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.”
He continued: “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.”
He concluded the post: “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.”