Zara McDermott’s statement in full: Love Island star breaks her silence after Graziano Di Prima’s sacking

Zara McDermott has released a statement after her Strict Come Dancing professional Graziano di Prima was fired from the show after rumors emerged that he had verbally and physically abused her.

The Love Island star wrote on Instagram on Tuesday morning that while “a large part” of her time on Strictly “was everything I could have imagined”, her “experience in the training room was very different.”

Graziano was due to appear on Strictly for his seventh series before being sacked, but was sacked by bosses after footage emerged of him repeatedly hitting Zara.

Read Zara’s full statement below:

‘I thought it was right to post something in response to the recent media reports.

‘Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV. I’ve dreamed of being on it since I was a little girl.’

‘When I was invited to be on the show, it was truly a childhood dream come true. I fully understood how much dedication and hard work Strictly would take and I dedicated myself to it. I am a resilient person and I was fully prepared to do whatever it took.’

‘And so much of my Strictly experience was everything I could ever have dreamed of. The whole production team and everyone behind the scenes, and my fellow contestants too, were so amazing to work with.

‘My experience in the training room, however, was very different.

‘There have been reports about the way I was treated on the show. There were witnesses to certain events and there is video of certain incidents that are incredibly painful to watch.

‘I’ve struggled with the fear of opening up. I was afraid of the public backlash, I was afraid of my future, I was afraid of victim shaming.

‘But after many conversations with the people I love, I found the strength to face these fears. When I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the programme.

‘The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak out, especially in a world where opinions and voices on social media are so loud.

‘I’ve noticed this while working with countless women on my documentaries.

‘I would like to thank the BBC and BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, and also everyone who has contacted me – it really means a lot. Love, always. Zara.’

Graziano was due to join Strictly for his seventh season before being sacked, but was sacked by bosses after footage reportedly emerged of him repeatedly hitting Zara