Graziano Di Prima's one-word response to Zara McDermott in unseen Strictly interview

Strictly star breaks silence on Zara McDermott claims

A previously unseen interview featuring Strictly Come Dancing's Graziano Di Prima and reality TV star Zara McDermott has left viewers stunned, as Graziano offered a succinct one-word comment on the Love Island alumna.

Audiences were glued to their screens during Good Morning Britain on Thursday (July 18), as showbiz reporter Richard Arnold delved into the controversy that led to Graziano stepping down from the BBC dance competition amid allegations of misconduct.

Richard shared: "Now I chatted to Zara and Graziano in the early stages of rehearsals last September, presumably before the events that Zara has alleged, where they reflected on the training that lay ahead."

During the conversation, Zara expressed her commitment to Richard: "Whatever I do, I always put 110% in so this is no different. You'd be surprised [how bad at dancing I am] but this is why I've got him, eh?"

Graziano, brimming with enthusiasm, responded: "We literally are going to do our best, and I love the fact that she... even when we weren't recording or when we weren't in the studio she was like, 'Can we use this corner, can you show me the steps again? I want to learn properly,'" reports the Mirror.

Zara McDermott has opened up about Graziano's alleged misconduct (Image: PA)

His reaction to her dedication was simply: "I'm like, 'Perfect!'"

Zara also acknowledged the competitive nature of the show in the interview: "Well you know what, I think the more rehearsal time the better. This is a competition at the end of the day," leading Richard to add: "It's always a competition for the pros."

Graziano shone a new light when he said: "You know what it is, for us it's an opportunity every week to do our best, to let our partner shine so we can shine as well."

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Richard Arnold conducted a chat with the pair (Image: ITV)

Zara made comments that now appear somewhat foreboding in light of the rumored events. She said: "I think I'm in safe hands."

Her dance partner reassured her: "You are, trust me. I said to her, 'First day, enjoy and then the steps come after'."

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Zara issued a full statement (Image: Instagram)

Back at Good Morning Britain, hosts Richard Madeley and Charlotte Hawkins were eager to dissect the interview. With Madeley commenting: "We're all scrutinising that with intense staring to see any sign, but.."

Richard Arnold acknowledged the undeniable chemistry between the pair, noting: "They seemed to get on very well indeed. That of course was ahead of the more gruelling training schedule that they had to look forward to."

Graziano Di Prima's one-word response to Zara McDermott in unseen Strictly interview

Graziano Di Prima's one-word response to Zara McDermott in unseen Strictly interview

Graziano Di Prima's one-word response to Zara McDermott in unseen Strictly interview

Graziano Di Prima's one-word response to Zara McDermott in unseen Strictly interview

Graziano Di Prima's one-word response to Zara McDermott in unseen Strictly interview