GRAZIANO Di Prima is returning to our TV screens as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing 2019.
However, he’s been demoted from the main line-up – here’s everything you need to know about the Strictly pro and how he’ll be featuring in this series…
Why is Graziano Di Prima not in the main line-up for this year’s Strictly?
On August 21, 2019, The Sun exclusively revealed that Graziano had been axed from the main line-up of paired-up pro dancers for the upcoming series.
Often referred to as the Italian Stallion by fans – Graziano is to be replaced by show backing dancer Johannes Radebe in the new shake-up.
A source said: “Fans will be disappointed but Johannes will be a brilliant addition. He’s excited for the challenge.
“It was agreed he was a better fit in the line-up than Graziano. It all happened rather quickly but there’s no bad feeling. Producers feel fans will adore Johannes.”
What has Graziano Di Prima said about not being in the main line-up?
Graziano — who joined Strictly last year with Johannes, 32 — announced the decision on social media.
Graziano told fans: “Just letting the fans know that I will not have a celeb partner this series, but don’t worry… I am not going anywhere!
“You will see me every Saturday/Sunday nights in all our amazing group dances, on It Takes Two and across the series.
“We have some amazing routines already and I can’t wait for you to see them all!”
He added: “To my fellow pros, good luck for a magical series! Let’s do this and I love you all!”
Who is Graziano Di Prima?
The Sicilian-born professional dancer, 25, is an Italian Latin Champion.
He represented Belgium at the World Championships, and made the top 24 at the Latin World Championship Under 21s.
For the past three years, Graziano has toured the world with the dance company Burn The Floor, a “high-voltage theatrical dance experience”.
He proposed to his girlfriend and fellow dancer, Gianda Lini, live on stage in May 2019.
When was Graziano Di Prima on Strictly Come Dancing?
Graziano was paired with radio DJ Vick Hope on the 2018 series.
They bowed out after five weeks on the show, losing in a dance-off to comedian Seann Walsh and his partner Katya Jones.
Before taking part in the show in 2018 he said: “This is my dream come true!”
“I still can’t believe I will be one of the professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing. I can’t wait to give all of myself on the dance floor!”
More on Strictly
When can I watch Strictly Come Dancing 2019 on BBC One?
Strictly Come Dancing is returning for its 17th series on BBC One TONIGHT (Saturday, September 7, 2019).
We’ll find out which pro dancers and celebrities are paired up, then the couples will have two weeks to get ready for the first live show.
The live shows will start on Saturday, September 21, and the final will take place on Saturday, December 14.
The main show will air live on Saturday evenings with the results the following day on Sundays.
In July 2019 it was revealed Motsi Mabuse will be joining the judging panel of Shirley Ballas, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel-Horwood.
Darcey Bussell quit the show in April 2019.
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly return as the presenting duo, with Rylan Clark-Neal confirmed as host of Strictly: It Takes Two alongside Zoe Ball.
