Strictly Come Dancing could be thrown into more crisis as former professional dancer Graziano Di Prima is reportedly taking legal action against the BBC.
The Italian dancer, 30, was axed from the show in July over reports he verbally and physically abused his celebrity partner Zara McDermott during last year's series.
According to The Sun Graziano has now 'called in top lawyers to sue the BBC' in a bid to clear his name.
Barristers from Whitestone Chambers have 'already read thousands of text and WhatsApp messages' and believe the Italian 'could sue for unfair dismissal'.
A source said: 'Graziano feels he wasn't allowed a fair opportunity to give his side of the story so has been heartened to hear the legal team think he has a case for unfair dismissal.'
They added: 'They’ve also looked at his BBC contract and believe there are grounds to sue. He is weighing up his options but remains hopeful he can clear his name.'
MailOnline has contacted Graziano's reps and the BBC for comment.
Strictly production staff raised concerns about Graziano’s conduct last year, but bosses only went as far as to issue quiet warnings to him.
The group expected him to be sacked instantly. They are said to be furious that their complaints were ignored, meaning the abuse towards Zara was allowed to continue and Graziano was even signed on for the upcoming 2024 series of Strictly.
It was not until staff got hold of a video allegedly showing Graziano repeatedly hitting Ms McDermott – nine months after their initial complaint – that he was fired.
Graziano later confirmed and regretted his actions against Zara.
Addressing his exit from the show, a ‘devastated’ Di Prima wrote on Instagram: ‘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.'
Graziano joined Strictly in 2018 and was last year partnered with the former Love Island star but they were eliminated in week six.
He was previously paired with presenter Vick Hope, Loose Women star Judi Love and in 2022 and he reached the quarter-final with actor Kym Marsh.
STRICTLY LINE-UP 2024
Chris McCausland
Age: 46
Profession: Comedian
Chris says: 'If anybody out there is thinking - How the hell is he going to do that? - then rest assured that I am thinking exactly the same thing.'
Dr. Punam Krishan
Age: Unknown
Profession: GP and broadcaster
Punam says: 'I have watched Strictly every year and it feels extra special that it’s the 20th year, I can’t believe I will be the one getting Strictly-fied.'
Toyah Willcox
Age: 66
Profession: Singer, actor, presenter
Toyah says: 'I'm super excited and love this show. To be a part of it, the spray tan the glitter. Its a landmark year for me I came a pensioner, Glasto and now I get spray tans.'
Pete Wicks
Age: 36
Profession: Reality star
Pete says: 'Dancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying.'
Shayne Ward
Age: 39
Profession: Actor and singer
Shayne says: 'I'm no stranger to live TV, but dancing Latin and Ballroom in front of millions is a whole new level.'
Tom Dean
Age: 24
Profession: Olympic medal winning swimmer
Tom says: 'Now I can officially talk about how excited I am to get stuck into something new, meet some brilliant people and get dancing'
Nick Knowles
Age: 61
Profession: TV presenter
Nick says: 'I am going to really go for it I will throw myself at it 100 per cent!'
JB Gill
Age: 37
Profession: Singer
JB says: 'A lot of the ballroom styles are very alien to me - I didn't do those dances growing up. I am not a trained dancer.'
Wynne Evans
Age: 52
Profession: Opera singer, presenter
Wynne says: 'The stuff I'm nervous about is the ones that involve jumping, I don't really want to do the jive, I'm nervous about that.
Tasha Ghouri
Age: 25
Profession: Model and reality star
Tasha says: 'I’ve been watching the show since I was little – it's a firm Ghouri family favourite - so this is a total dream come true.'
Sarah Hadland
Age: 53
Profession: Actress
Sarah says: 'I feel particularly excited to be part of such an iconic show in its 20th year.'
Jamie Borthwick
Age: 30
Profession: EastEnders star
Jamie says: 'I had a ball doing the Christmas special, so when I was asked to join it was the easiest yes!'
Sam Quek
Age: 35
Profession: Former GB hockey player and presenter
Sam says: 'I am so relieved it is out there now it has been hard to keep a secret! The rumours were spreading and I had to lie! I am used to dancing on a girls night out but I will give it my all'
Paul Merson
Age: 56
Profession: Former footballer
Paul says: 'I won't worry about it until it starts but when it does I will be nervous - I have only danced three times in my life!'
