Strictly's Graziano Di Prima breaks silence on 'regret' after shock BBC axe

Graziano Di Prima has spoken out since it was announced he has been sacked from Strictly Come Dancing.

The pro-dancer has said he "deeply regrets" the events that led to his departure from the long-running BBC show, as he confirmed his axe to be true.

In a bombshell statement shared with his Instagram fans today, the Italian professional dancer said his "intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime" in a candid admission.

Graziano isn't the first professional to be hit with a sacking as he follows in the footsteps of Giovanni Pernice, with both men being let go from the popular series following misconduct allegations.

Both Graziano and Giovanni deny the allegations made against them.

Taking to Instagram following the news that he has been axed, Graziano penned: “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.

"While respecting the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it's only right for the sake of the show that I step away," he went on.

The 30-year-old added: "I am saddened that I wasn't allowed to offer a quote to the online news stories, and I take on board the sensitivity of the situation.

"There's more to this story that I am unable to discuss at this time, but I am 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," his message concluded.

Fans were quick to inundate the star with messages - with many of them sharing their disbelief and confusion at the news.

One fan @joannagoody wrote: "Actually heartbroken, you are the epitome of joy and happiness on strictly and I’m lost for words over this all the love always for you."

A second upset fan @mica_sky said: "So gutted to hear this. You will be so so missed."

As user @kazaleeds asserted: "I don't know what has happened but I won't be watching Strictly anymore. You have given us so much joy."

With @barrett8903 echoing: "This is very sad what's going on. They are going to lose a lot of viewers."

And fan @leanehayes fumed: "WTF is going on!!!! First Gio now you, something don’t sit right all the wimps coming out the woodwork complaining rehearsal is too hard!!!

"Don’t know what they expect when they sign up to the show they are there to learn to dance… bloody hell back in the day u would get a slap from ur dance teacher for getting steps wrong snowflakes... I wish you all the very best show won’t be the same this year that’s for sure x."(sic)

Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC.