- Zara McDermott breaks her silence on her “distressing” experience during Strictly Come Dancing training sessions
- McDermott feared public backlash and victim-shaming, but was encouraged to speak out after the BBC’s swift action
- Graziano Di Prima acknowledged his “intense passion and determination” may have affected his training regime, leading to his departure from the show
- The BBC may implement enhanced care protocols, including support staff, to ensure the well-being of Strictly participants
Zara McDermott, the former Love Island star, has finally spoken out about her harrowing experience on Strictly Come Dancing, following the sensational departure of her professional partner Graziano Di Prima from the show.
In a candid Instagram post, McDermott revealed that she had “wrestled with the fear of opening up” about her time on the show, fearing “public backlash” and “victim shaming.”
Distressing Incidents During Training
McDermott’s experience within the training room was vastly different from the “magical” atmosphere she had envisioned. She disclosed that “reports have been made about [her] treatment on the show” and that there were “witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch.”
The former reality star acknowledged the challenges of speaking up in a society where “social media opinions and voices are so loud,” drawing from her work with “countless women” in her documentaries.
BBC’s Swift Action and Support
Despite her initial hesitation, McDermott expressed gratitude towards the BBC and BBC Studios for their “swift action and incredibly high level of support” after she spoke candidly about her time on the show.
Graziano Di Prima’s Departure
Graziano Di Prima, McDermott’s former professional partner, has also addressed his departure from Strictly Come Dancing. In a statement, he acknowledged the “events that led to [his] departure” and admitted that his “intense passion and determination to win might have affected [his] training regime.”
Di Prima stated that while respecting the BBC’s HR process, he understood it was “best for the show” that he step away. He also mentioned that there were “aspects of this story involving external influences” that he could not discuss at the time, but he remained committed to being “strong for [his] family and friends.”
Enhanced Care Protocols for Strictly Participants
Following the exclusion of Giovanni Pernice from the 2024 professional lineup amid allegations of misconduct, reports suggest that the BBC may introduce support staff to oversee the well-being of Strictly participants as part of enhanced care protocols.
FAQs
Q: What led to Graziano Di Prima’s exit from Strictly Come Dancing?
A: Graziano Di Prima acknowledged that his “intense passion and determination to win might have affected [his] training regime,” leading to his departure from the show. The BBC stated it was “best for the show” that he step away.
Q: How did Zara McDermott’s experience on Strictly Come Dancing differ from her expectations?
A: McDermott described her experience within the training room as “very different” from the “magical” atmosphere she had envisioned. She revealed that there were “distressing” incidents and “reports” about her treatment on the show.
Q: What actions did the BBC take in response to the issues raised by Zara McDermott?
A: McDermott expressed gratitude towards the BBC and BBC Studios for their “swift action and incredibly high level of support” after she spoke candidly about her time on the show. The BBC has also reportedly considered introducing support staff to oversee the well-being of Strictly participants.
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