Graziano Di Prima was dropped by Strictly Come dance about “incidents” that he “deeply regrets”.

In another disaster for the series following the Giovanni Pernice controversy, it was reported on Saturday (July 13) that Di Prima had been removed from the series over allegations of “gross misconduct”.

Di Prima then told his followers on social media that he would no longer be part of the upcoming series, which is set to begin in September – despite his return being confirmed last month.

On Instagram he wrote: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure Strictly. My great passion and determination to win may have affected my training program.

“While I respect the BBC’s recruitment process, I recognise that in the interests of the programme it is only right that I step aside. I am saddened that I was not allowed to quote the online news and I recognise the sensitivity of the situation.”

He continued: “There is more to this story that I cannot talk about at this time, but I am determined to be strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly Family wishes for the future only success.”

It is claimed that Di Prima’s departure was due to unspecified allegations made by staff on the show who observed Di Prima rehearsing with television star Zara McDermott, who he worked with on the series last year.

Members of the production team reportedly spoke out after an investigation into the series was launched in the wake of a scandal involving Pernice, who left the show last month.

McDermott did not make the allegation, but was reportedly invited by the BBC to speak about her experiences. A source claimed to The sun that the footage showing how Di Prima allegedly treated McDermott “moved viewers to tears.”

The former Love Island The star had a turbulent time on the show, regularly ending up in the dreaded dance competition until she was eliminated in the sixth week of the competition.

After a particularly stressful day of rehearsals, McDermott hit back when Di Prima shared a video of her napping and told her followers she had done “twice as much work” as her partner.

“Graz just had the nerve to call me and tell me his legs hurt after rehearsals yesterday, even though he spent 50 percent of the day sitting me down and analyzing how I performed the routine on my own,” McDermott wrote to her followers.

The BBC said it would take all issues raised “seriously” and promised to take “swift action” if necessary.

“We can confirm that Graziano Di Prima will no longer be part of the line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series of Be sure to come and dance”, a spokesman said.

“While we would never comment on individual cases, it is well known that the BBC has established and robust due diligence procedures in place. When issues arise, we always take them seriously and act accordingly and swiftly.”

In a caption that has since been deleted, Di Prima wrote: “I wish the Strictly Family for the future only success. I would also like to thank everyone who has supported my career both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will tell the story (of my) journey.”

The Italian dancer joined Strictly in 2018 and was partnered with DJ Vick Hope. In 2021 he performed with the comedian and Loose Women Star Judi Love and reached the quarter-finals the following year with actress Kym Marsh.

Pernice was written off the show earlier this year after actress Amanda Abbington left the show just weeks into the final season without thanking him in her farewell message.

Shortly after, Abbington requested footage of her rehearsals with Pernice, which a source described as “tense,” for an alleged investigation. In a recent interview, the star launched a new attack on the Italian dance pro, claiming he was “terrible” to a group of former contestants.

On Sunday (14 July) in a new interview Sherlock Actors shed light on their “terrible” Strictly Experience.

The next season of the show starts in September – and the latest rumors about the contestants are likely to upset long-time fans of the show.