BBC Strictly viewers vow to 'switch off' after show legend dropped from show

Graziano Di Prima confirmed he has been axed from Strictly Come Dancing in a candid statement released on Instagram (July 13). The Italian-born performer said he "regrets the events that led to his departure" but added, "when the time is right I'll share my story".

The BBC professional dancer joined the programme in 2018 and was paired with former Love Island star Zara McDermott on the show last year. Following his announcement, Strictly fans took to social media and shared their frustrations after the dancer announced he had been dropped.

Viewers flooded his comment section as they shared their dismay over his sudden exit with many vowing to "switch off" the beloved BBC programme.

One person penned: "Will not be supporting Strictly this year." Another agreed: "What the hell is all this about, if Graz has gone, I for one won't be watching Strictly this year."

A third said: "This could possibly be the last series if every 'celebrity' is going to complain."

"I'm seriously considering not watching this year as this is too upsetting and ridiculous #Strictly," they penned.

A fifth argued: "It's lost much of its appeal - it really isn't the show it once was."

Another added: "I won't be watching."

Despite being announced as part of the line-up for the 20th anniversary series set to begin in weeks, the BBC confirmed on Saturday that the 30-year-old Graziano will no longer be appearing in the next series of the popular programme due to air this autumn.

Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Graziano confirmed the reports about his Strictly exit are true and told his followers: "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. 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 nothing but success in the future."

A spokesperson for the BBC said: "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 and robust duty of care procedures, and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate."

The popular BBC show has been plagued with a number of problems in several months with Giovanni Pernice being investigated over claims of misconduct after he was partnered with Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington.

She has reportedly requested access to her Strictly Come Dancing training tapes following a series of complaints about her dance partner Giovanni Pernice's alleged "threatening and abusive behaviour". Giovanni has previously denied all claims made against him.

It has been reported a recent complaint has been made about fellow dancer Graziano prompting the BBC to extend the inquiry that was ongoing over claims about Giovanni's conduct during training sessions.