STRICTLY Come Dancing star Kym Marsh once shut down rehearsals after having a severe panic attack ahead of dancing with Graziano Di Prima.
The TV and theatre star, who has just had a stint as Cruella DeVil in the UK tour of 101 Dalmatians: The Musical, appeared on the 2022 series of the BBC favourite.
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Partnered with Graziano, Kym found herself struggling under the pressure of the competition, at one point having such bad anxiety she was left in tears backstage.
In reports from November that year, Kym – who has been open about her history of anxiety and depression – was left struggling to breathe as producers tried to calm her down.
Eventually, the rehearsal was halted completely so she could recover, and the professional performer gathered herself in time to stun audiences with Graziano that weekend, performing a Quickstep to Ballroom Blitz by Sweet.
An onlooker said at the time: “She was very upset she just couldn’t stop crying and hyperventilating.”
“In the end there was no choice but to stop rehearsals.”
“Kym doesn’t mind admitting she suffers from anxiety and panic attacks,” a friend added.
“That sort of thing can catch her out.”
After being axed from the show, Kym was seen breaking down in tears on Strictly: It Takes Two, declaring Graziano as “one of her family members” and even arranging sleepovers with him as they got so close.
“I have genuinely met a very unique person, you are a very special man, and I will never never forget what you’ve done for me on this journey. You’re incredible,” she told him.
“I’ve been waiting for a really season on Strictly for four years, and it sounds really crazy, I know we rehearse a lot, but I had the best time, and it’s because of her,” said Graziano, calling her a “friend for life”.
The incident has come to light following Graziano being removed from this year’s line-up, for ‘gross misconduct’.
Graziano was partnered with Zara McDermott in the 2023 series, and in front of cameras appeared to get on like a house on fire.
However, last week producers were allegedly made aware of video showing “physical incidents” involving Zara – including allegations that he hit, kicked, and spat at her during rehearsals.
It is reported that, after video footage of the incidents were uncovered, the BBC took swift action, removing him from the show and offering support to Zara within four days.
Graziano has since apologised in a public statement, saying his “passion and determination to win might have affected [his] training regime”.
Zara is yet to speak publicly on the incident.
Graziano’s departure comes shortly after Giovanni Pernice’s exit from the show, following multiple official complaints against him.
Giovanni denies any wrongdoing, though it is believed three of his nine former partners have come forward to complain to the BBC.
The investigation is currently ongoing, with Giovanni hiring a top legal firm to clear his name.
In light of Gio’s exit, Aljaz Škorjanec, who was on the show from 2013 to 2021, has been announced to be returning to the dancefloor.
Strictly Come Dancing returns later this year on BBC One.
Graziano Di Prima – Strcitly statement in FULL
GRAZIANO Di Prima has addressed his Strictly Come Dancing sacking with a statement on social media – see the details below.
In a statement shared to his Instagram page Graziano wrote: “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.
“Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.”
He continued: “While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
“I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future.”
He concluded the post: “I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.”
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