Strictly Come Dancing has been thrown further into chaos over the last few days after it was confirmed Graziano Di Prima had been axed from the show.
It came as a result of claims of misconduct towards his 2023 celebrity partner, Zara McDermott.
The Italian-born dancer, 30, is reportedly "in bits" over the axe and "is being monitored 24/7" due to his devastation over the news. It comes as one of Di Prima's fellow Strictly professionals seems to have supported him online.
The BBC confirmed the update at the weekend, with the broadcaster announcing it had acted following video footage of the dancer demonstrating "abusive" behaviour.
However, insiders have argued no action was taken over complaints raised last year, including accusations that Di Prima had hit, kicked and spat on McDermott.
The choreographer was fired after claims emerged during the inquiry into fellow professional Giovanni Pernice, 33.
The BBC took action following footage which came from a BBC investigation
BBC
A source has detailed the impact of Di Prima following the incident, telling the Sun: "This is a complete mess, and an unmitigated, utterly unprecedented disaster for the BBC.
"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?"
The source went on to conclude: "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.
Graziano Di Prima was partnered with reality star Zara McDermott in 2023
BBC
"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."
The investigation was launched after Giovanni Pernice's 2023 dance partner, actress Amanda Abbington, made claims against him.
He subsequently left the BBC competition show and has denied any wrongdoing, blasting what he called "untrue stories" being told.
The shock news about Di Prima comes after an insider said last week the investigation was "no longer just about Pernice".
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Graziano Di Prima is reportedly 'being monitored 24/7' following the axe
BBC
"This investigation is no longer just solely about Giovanni but other, more wider issues," a source told the MailOnline.
The statement continued: "Amanda's complaints have started something massive, it has opened the door for others to come forward about things they haven't been happy with.
"Having the Giovanni complaint has been a big enough issue, but now it looks like there is more to be scrutinised and looked into."
