“The professional dancer, 30, was axed from the show in July over reports he verbally and physically abused his celebrity partner Zara McDermott during the 2023 series.”, — write: www.dailymail.co.uk
The professional dancer, 30, was axed from the show in July over reports he verbally and physically abused his celebrity partner Zara McDermott during the 2023 series.
He fled the UK when the scandal broke to his native Italy with his wife Giada Lini – who is a professional dancer on the Italian version of the series.
But he took to Instagram on Thursday to share that he was coming back to London in April to teach Jive and Salsa.
He said: ‘Ciao everyone, I finally got a beautiful news. The 27th of April I will be in London at the Dance Attic teaching you two incredible classes, jive and salsa.
‘I cannot wait to see you all and most of all to dance with you. We’re going to have fun.
‘If you want to check your spot, if you want to book your spot, the link is below and literally I’m so excited, so happy. I cannot wait to dance with all of you. [blows kiss].’
Graziano was last spotted on British soil to teach a dance class in December as he returned for the first time since leaving after the scandal.
Strictly production staff raised concerns about Graziano’s conduct last year, but bosses only went as far as to issue quiet warnings to him.
The group expected him to be sacked instantly. They are said to be furious that their complaints were ignored, meaning the abuse towards Zara was allowed to continue and Graziano was even signed on for the upcoming 2024 series of Strictly .
It was not until staff got hold of a video allegedly showing Graziano repeatedly hitting Ms McDermott – nine months after their initial complaint – that he was fired.
Graziano later confirmed and regretted his actions against Zara.
Addressing his exit from the show, a ‘devastated’ Graziano wrote on Instagram: ‘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.’
Breaking his silence following his sacking last year, teased his return to the spotlight as he shared that he was raring to get back on the stage.
Alongside the clip, Graziano wrote: ‘Dance has always been the center of my life, my greatest passion, the path I chose and dedicated years of study, sacrifice, and love to.
‘After a period of reflection, I feel stronger than ever and eager to return to what I love most: dancing.’
He continued: ‘The future is a whole world of new open windows, ready to welcome new dreams and new challenges, and I’m excited to continue this journey with even more determination and inspiration.’
Speaking to his fans, Graziano added: ‘A heartfelt thank you to everyone who is always there for me. I’m thrilled to dance again with the same enthusiasm and dedication as always.
‘See you soon, whether on stage or through new projects that I will be very excited to share with you.’
Graziano joined Strictly in 2018 and was last year partnered with the former Love Island star but they were eliminated in week six.
He was previously paired with presenter Vick Hope, Loose Women star Judi Love and in 2022 and he reached the quarter-final with actor Kym Marsh.