Major update in Strictly scandal as sacked Graziano Di Prima set to sue BBC for unfair dismissal and hires top lawyers
'Incredibly distressing' scenes saw Zara chased into a bathroom, spat at, and verbally abused by Di Prima in rehearsals last year
SACKED Strictly star Graziano Di Prima has called in top lawyers to sue the BBC — and to try to clear his name.
The shamed pro dancer, 30, has recruited big hitters Whitestone Chambers to fight his corner.
Barristers have already waded through thousands of text and WhatsApp messages and believe the Italian has a case for unfair dismissal.
He was axed over his behaviour towards celebrity partner Zara McDermott.
A source last night said: “Graziano feels he wasn’t allowed a fair opportunity to give his side of the story so has been heartened to hear the legal team think he has a case for unfair dismissal.
“The top lawyers at Whitestone Chambers have scanned through thousands of messages between Graziano and Zara and the other Strictly dancers.
“They’ve also looked at his BBC contract and believe there are grounds to sue.
“He is weighing up his options but remains hopeful he can clear his name.”
The claims against Graziano are the biggest scandal to rock Strictly in its 20-year history.
Last month, The Sun on Sunday told how he was sacked after a video of him “hitting and kicking” Zara was shown to bosses.
We went on to detail further allegations against the star — who is said to have chased Zara into a bathroom, spat at her, and verbally abused her in rehearsals last year.
BBC documentary-maker Zara, who is in a relationship with I’m A Celeb winner Sam Thompson, said the scenes were “incredibly distressing”.
Married Graziano responded in a statement to his 251,000 followers on Instagram, saying he “deeply regrets the actions” that led to his departure.
But just weeks later, he denied kicking Zara.
He also told how he and his “good friend” Zara messaged about her pet cat four days before he was sacked.
He is now back in his native Sicily, working on a farm for £6 an hour.
Strictly is set to return next month but Graziano’s spot is yet to be filled.
Zara’s agents and the BBC were approached for comment.
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.”