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.

The legal battle between former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Graziano Di Prima and the BBC continues to escalate, with reports that Graziano has enlisted top lawyers to sue the broadcasting corporation.

Allegations of verbal and physical abuse towards his celebrity partner Zara McDermott has led Graziano to take legal action in an attempt to clear his name.

Despite being axed from the show last year, Graziano is determined to fight back against what he believes was an unfair dismissal.

The legal team representing Graziano has combed through thousands of text and WhatsApp messages in preparation for the case.

They believe there are grounds to sue the BBC for unfair dismissal based on Graziano’s contract and the circumstances surrounding his departure from the show. As the legal battle unfolds, Graziano remains hopeful that he will be able to vindicate himself and restore his reputation.

Throughout last year’s series, concerns were raised about Graziano’s conduct behind the scenes, but the production staff’s warnings went unheeded by the show’s bosses.

It wasn’t until a video surfaced showing Graziano allegedly hitting Zara McDermott that decisive action was taken, leading to his dismissal from Strictly Come Dancing.

In a public statement following his exit, Graziano expressed regret for his actions and acknowledged the impact they had on his participation in the show.

As Graziano navigates the legal proceedings, the future of his dancing career remains uncertain. His time on Strictly Come Dancing has been marred by controversy, but he is determined to clear his name and move forward.

The ongoing legal battle serves as a reminder of the challenges and complexities that can arise in the world of reality television.

As the case unfolds, all eyes are on the outcome and the potential implications it may have for the future of Strictly Come Dancing.