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Strictly Come Dancing fans work out when show will announce new pro dancer to replace axed Graziano – and it’s very soon
The beloved dancing competition is heading back to the dancefloor as the 20th anniversary looms
STRICTLY fans have been speculating about when Graziano's replacement will be revealed, and they think they've figured it out.
The BBC dance competition became mired in scandal just days before rehearsal was meant to start for a new series.
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Show bosses announced that Graziano Di Prima had been fired after a video surfaced allegedly showing him "screaming, kicking and spitting" at Zara McDermott during rehearsals.
The Love Island star released a public statement shortly afterwards, saying that she was "too scared" to speak up at the time when the behaviour was taking place.
She told followers: "Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch.
"I have wrestled with the fear of opening up - I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming.
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"But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I've gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show."
Despite all the backlash and members of the public calling for Strictly to be pulled from screens for a year, Nikita Kuzmin has reportedly confirmed rehearsals for the new series begin next week.
After performing at London's Drury Lane Theatre, the beloved Ukranian pro dancer confirmed he was getting ready to head back into the rehearsal studio "in five days time".
It's believed the entire Strictly cast will reunite in five days to prepare for this year's series - which will be the 20th anniversary for the show.
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Fans of the show have conjectured that Graziano's replacement will be announced on the same day.
Strictly crisis deepens as ‘pro Nadiya Bychkova makes complaint against show’
Several took to an online forum to share their predictions on who will fill the Italian dancer's shoes - if anyone.
One person wrote: "I'm just going by what I've heard, there's a rumour that they are planning on hiring a new male pro to replace Graziano while Aljaz was rehired to replace Giovanni.
"It just depends on how many celebs are signed up and how many of them want a same sex partner. It seems as if more men than women are interested in that."
Another shared: "I'm sticking with my prediction of an 8 male/7 female celeb split this year again with probably a same sex partnership of each gender. That way 8 male pros is actually enough and 1 will still be on the bench."
Someone explained why they think the new pro dancer will be revealed soon, writing: "We now know the launch show is being filmed on 4th September, which is pretty much in line with previous years.
"Before this happens, the celebs have to film the meeting the pros, the interviews and videos for social media and VTs, attend wardrobe fittings and rehearse for the group dance in the Launch Show and in recent years these have been done after the entire cast have been revealed. I can't see the reveals starting any later than the 5th August."
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."
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