Zara McDermott looks downcast on a stroll with boyfriend Sam Thompson

Zara McDermott looked downcast as she went for a stroll with her boyfriend Sam Thompson in south west London on Monday. 

The presenter, 27, has found herself at the centre of a Strictly Come Dancing scandal after it emerged her professional partner Graziano Di Prima has been accused of ‘hitting and kicking her’ during her time on the show last year. 

The professional dancer, 30, has since been axed by the BBC after bosses were presented with a video of Graziano’s actions on Thursday, before speaking to Zara ahead of the weekend and sacking the Italian on Monday.

Stepping out for the first time since the claims came to light, Zara kept her arms folded across her chest whilst walking alongside Sam. 

She dressed casually in an oversized white shirt and vest top that she teamed with a pair of black flared trousers.  

Strictly Come Dancing bosses reportedly received two complaints surrounding Graziano‘s behaviour towards Zara during training last year, but only issued warnings in response.

Following his dismissal, The Mail on Sunday revealed that the Love Island star was victim to repeated physical and verbal abuse behind the scenes of the Saturday night show.

And as more details have emerged, public support for Graziano has dwindled, with one of his pals even quietly deleted a praising comment to him.

It had been said that BBC bosses acted swiftly once made aware of Graziano’s ‘abusive’ actions towards Zara, after reviewing video evidence and speaking to the reality star.

However, it has now been alleged that complaints had already been raised in the autumn, but bosses did not take any serious action.

According to The Sun, they were presented with video of Graziano’s actions on Thursday. 

A source told the publication: ‘Graziano has held up his hands and admits his behaviour was extreme and unacceptable. He knows there is no return and quite rightly. Yet why was no action taken sooner to nip this situation in the bud?

‘Graziano feels if he had received proper support and some sort of anger management training, an escalation could have been prevented.’

They added: ‘For the Beeb’s part, Graziano was not the only dancer being spoken to and they had absolutely no idea about the alleged kicking — which it is claimed happened twice — and as soon as they were alerted, they took decisive action and fired him.’

‘Graziano is in bits. He is being monitored 24/7 by his wife Giada and mum who has moved in to take care of him.

‘This whole Strictly fiasco is getting increasingly toxic, and the BBC finds itself trying to complete an investigation while overseeing duty of care to all.’

While a BBC insider insisted: ‘There was no procrastinating. The video evidence was completely and utterly undeniable. 

that verbal and physical abuse allegedly took place multiple times. She was incredibly brave.’

As more shocking allegations have come to light over Graziano’s sacking, there has been a marked difference in public support for him.

Previously, his fans and famous friends had rallied behind him, including fellow Strictly stars Katya Jones, Susannah Constantine and Catherine Tyldesley, who liked and commented on his Instagram post announcing his departure. 

However, Catherine – who was partnered with Johannes Radebe in the show in 2019 – has now removed one of her more supportive comments.

‘It only showed one incident, but it quickly became apparent from talking to Zara

The Corrie star originally wrote: ‘What noooo’ before adding: ‘You are the kindest, incredibly talented, most gentle man… I’m so sorry. Sending you so much love x’.

Click here to resize this module

But now the second gushing comment has been deleted, with only the first remaining on Graziano’s post.

The message on Graziano’s Instagram reads: ‘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.’

Meanwhile, both Zara and her boyfriend Sam have since unfollowed  Graziano, but she still follows his wife, Giada Lini.

It is the latest blow suffered by the BBC show, which is still watched by more than ten million people, as allegations against fellow Strictly star Giovanni Pernice are still being investigated.

Graziano joined Strictly in 2018 and was last year partnered with Love Island star Zara but they were eliminated in week six.

He was previously paired with presenter Vick Hope, Loose Women star Judi Love and in 2022 he reached the quarter-final with actor Kym Marsh.