Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood says complaints about Graziano and Giovanni are a ‘shock’

Strictly has been at the centre of controversy after complaints about Pernice and Di Prima.

It had been widely reported that Sherlock star Amanda Abbington, who was paired with Pernice in the series last year, experienced difficulties with him.

Pernice said he was surprised by allegations about his dance teaching methods, and that he was looking forward to clearing his name.

Last month, it was announced he would not return to Strictly for this year’s series.

On Tuesday, TV star Zara McDermott, who was partnered with Di Prima last year, said she was involved in incidents in the Strictly training room that she now finds “incredibly distressing” to watch back.

Di Prima’s spokesman Mark Borkowski said the news agenda has focused on an isolated incident the dancer deeply regrets and has apologised for.

“There is never a time when kicking, or any sense of that is right,” Mr Borkowski told BBC News. “And he knows that.”

But McDermott’s spokesman said on Thursday: “Zara has already confirmed in a statement released on her social media earlier this week that the reported conduct was not a singular incident.”

Di Prima has also been left out of this year’s Strictly line-up.