Strictly star's chilling words before allegedly 'spitting at and kicking' Zara McDermott

Strictly: Zara and Graziano speak during early 2023 rehearsals

Strictly Come Dancing professional Graziano Di Prima agreed that Zara McDermott was in 'safe hands' during a never-before-seen interview. Entertainment correspondent Richard Arnold discussed recent reports that Graziano was axed from the BBC show after alleged misconduct, during Thursday's episode of Good Morning Britain.

Richard shared an exclusive clip of Zara and Graziano when the pair were still getting to know each other. In the interview, which was filmed in September last year, Zara told 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 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.' I'm like, 'Perfect!'" Zara admitted: "Well you know what, I think the more rehearsal time the better. This is a competition at the end of the day."

Graziano added: "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."

Zara claimed: "I think I'm in safe hands." Graziano agreed: "You are, trust me. I said to her, 'First day, enjoy and then the steps come after,'" reports the Mirror.

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Strictly's Zara and former dance partner Graziano are hitting the headlines (Image: GETTY)

It has emerged amid allegations that there is a video showing Graziano's purported misconduct towards Zara, which has reportedly left viewers in tears. The professional dancer is accused of having kicked, spat at, and struck Zara.

Graziano, who will not be part of the upcoming series of the BBC's popular show, has voiced his remorse, saying he "deeply regrets" the actions that led to his exit.

Zara and Graziano on Strictly (Image: Instagram)

Zara McDermott, aged 27, has also come forward with her account of the events during rehearsals, releasing an extensive statement on her social media platforms.

She described the footage of "particular incidents" as "incredibly distressing" and admitted her previous silence was due to concerns over "public backlash".

Following these complaints about former professional dancers' behaviour, the BBC has decided that celebrity participants will now have production staff present during all future rehearsal sessions.

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Strictly star's chilling words before allegedly 'spitting at and kicking' Zara McDermott

Strictly star's chilling words before allegedly 'spitting at and kicking' Zara McDermott

Strictly star's chilling words before allegedly 'spitting at and kicking' Zara McDermott

Strictly star's chilling words before allegedly 'spitting at and kicking' Zara McDermott

Strictly star's chilling words before allegedly 'spitting at and kicking' Zara McDermott