Graziano Di Prima is the latest Strictly professional to leave the UK’s most famous ballroom competition. During his time on the show, he danced alongside celebrity partners as well as performing as a key dancer in the dazzling professional group numbers.
His time on the show came to an end when he came under investigation for misconduct against past dancing partner, Love Island bombshell Zara McDermott. Here's everything you need to know about the former Strictly pro.
How old is Graziano di Prima?
Graziano is 30 years old. He was born on 7 July 1994.
When did Graziano di Prima join Strictly Come Dancing?
Graziano was a part of the Strictly family for six years, having joined the show in 2018 and leaving in 2024.
Where is Graziano Di Prima from?
Graziano was born in Sicily, Italy.
Who has Graziano Di Prima been partnered with on Strictly?
Throughout his time on the show Graziano has been partnered up with a whole host of celebs including actress Kym Marsh and radio DJ Vick Hope.
What happened with Graziano di Prima and Zara McDermott?
Love Island 2018's Zara became the fifth celebrity to be eliminated from Strictly following Halloween week, after facing Adam Thomas in the dreaded dance off. Their final dance a Charleston to Jeepers Creepers by Al Donahue and his orchestra, but the judges decided that it was the couple's time to go.
Following their elimination, Graziano said of his partner, "She has been great for me 8am till 9pm. Never stopping asking just for a half an hour break. She is literally what Strictly is all about. A real novice, coming in, putting all the hard job. You have such a good soul. You are so humble and I say thank you that I found a friend like you. I have learnt so much from you. And your hard work within six weeks. You have never danced before. I am so proud of you. So proud of you honestly."
However, in 2024 it came to light that Graziano had been abusive towards Zara during rehearsals.
On 16 July, Zara put up an Instagram Story where she wrote, "Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as some videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch.
"I have wrestled with the fear of opening up - I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming. But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I've gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show."
Following the controversy, Graziano has retreated to Sicily to work on a farm, with his wife by his side.
Who is Graziano Di Prima married to?
Graziano and his partner Giada Lini have been together since 2015. The pair got engaged in May 2019 and married last July.
He took to Instagram after their wedding day to share some photos of the pair during their special day and captioned the post, “The best day of my life❤️ MR & MRS. DI PRIMA💍 09.07.22”.
Graziano revealed that, despite being married, the couple want to focus on their careers before starting a family.
He told the Daily Mail, “We are giving priority to our careers… Our career is not long, so we are going to wait a few years before we think about a family, because I want to still dance, and she wants to still do Dancing With The Stars, but obviously we are thinking about it.”
What happened between Graziano di Prima and Giovanni Pernice?
Fans thought that Graziano and fellow profesh dancer Giovanni Pernice had a 'bust-up' last season during the final, eventually drawing the conclusion that is was probably just a little healthy competition.
What happened to Kym Marsh and Graziano di Prima on Strictly?
Graziano was partnered with Coronation Street actress Kym during the 20th series last year. Kym tested positive for COVID-19 a few weeks into the competition.
Announcing the news, a Strictly spokesperson said, "Kym Marsh has tested positive for Covid-19. As a result, Kym and Graziano will not be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this weekend. Strictly Come Dancing protocols mean that all being well, they will return the following week."
The pair weren’t destined to lift the Glitterball as Graziano and Kym were eliminated during week nine.
Does Graziano di Prima have a Guinness World Record?
Yes, he does. He gained the record for 90 Botafogo Samba steps in 30 seconds on Strictly’s aftershow It Takes Two.
What is Graziano di Prima Instagram?
His Instagram handle is @grazianodiprima.