Graziano Di Prima is an Italian professional dancer and choreographer who became widely recognized through the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. Known for his energetic Latin dance style, charismatic stage presence, and international competition experience, he built a strong following among ballroom dance fans. His television career brought him mainstream fame in the UK, although it also faced significant challenges following his departure from Strictly Come Dancing in 2024. This article explores his background, career highlights, personal life, and the latest verified developments surrounding one of ballroom dancing’s best-known professionals.
Who Is Graziano Di Prima? A Short Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Graziano Di Prima |
| Date of Birth | 7 May 1994 |
| Age | 32 (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Riesi, Sicily, Italy |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Profession | Professional Dancer, Choreographer |
| Years Active | 2010s–present |
| Famous For | Strictly Come Dancing |
| Spouse | Giada Lini |
| Source of Income | Dance performances, choreography, live tours |
| Social Media | Instagram, Facebook |
Early Life and Dance Background
Born in the Sicilian town of Riesi, Graziano Di Prima developed a passion for dancing from a young age. Growing up in a family connected to vineyard work, he has spoken publicly about balancing family responsibilities with his ambition to become a professional dancer. His parents supported his training despite the financial sacrifices required, allowing him to pursue competitive ballroom and Latin dancing.
During his youth, Di Prima competed extensively in Latin dance competitions. His technical ability quickly became apparent, earning recognition in international ballroom circuits. Before becoming a television personality, he represented Belgium in international Latin competitions and performed around the world with the dance company Burn the Floor, gaining valuable stage experience in numerous countries.
Rise to Fame on Strictly Come Dancing
The biggest turning point in Graziano Di Prima’s career came in 2018 when he joined the professional dancer lineup for the BBC’s hugely successful dance competition, Strictly Come Dancing.
Although his first celebrity partnership ended relatively early in the competition, viewers appreciated his enthusiasm, strong choreography, and entertaining performances. Over the following seasons, he partnered with several well-known personalities, helping establish himself as one of the show’s recognizable professionals.
His celebrity partners included:
- Vick Hope (2018)
- Judi Love (2021)
- Kym Marsh (2022)
- Zara McDermott (2023)
Among these partnerships, his season with Kym Marsh proved his strongest competitive run, reaching the later stages of the competition and producing several highly scored routines.
Dance Style
Di Prima is best known for:
- Latin ballroom dancing
- Fast-paced choreography
- Expressive stage performance
- Strong teaching ability
- Energetic live performances
His performances often combined technical precision with theatrical presentation, making him popular among television audiences.
Career Beyond Television
Although Strictly Come Dancing significantly increased his public profile, Graziano Di Prima’s career extends well beyond television.
He toured internationally with the acclaimed dance production Burn the Floor, performing across Europe, Australia, Asia, and other regions. His experience on professional dance tours helped build the performance skills that later translated successfully to television.
He has also appeared in various dance-related television productions and live theatre performances. In 2024, he launched his own touring production, Believe: My Life on Stage, which told the story of his journey from rural Sicily to international dance stages through ballroom performances and personal storytelling.
Marriage and Personal Life
Graziano Di Prima is married to fellow professional dancer Giada Lini. The couple married in 2022 after several years together.
Both share similar professional backgrounds, and dance has remained central to their relationship. They have frequently performed together in live shows and dance productions.
Di Prima has generally kept much of his family life private while occasionally sharing moments from his personal and professional life on social media.
Guinness World Record Achievement
One of the lesser-known highlights of Di Prima’s career is his Guinness World Record.
In 2019, while appearing on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, he set the Guinness World Record for the most Botafogo dance steps completed in 30 seconds, successfully performing 90 steps during the official challenge. The achievement demonstrated not only his speed but also his exceptional technical precision.
Departure from Strictly Come Dancing
One of the most searched topics relating to Graziano Di Prima concerns his departure from Strictly Come Dancing.
In July 2024, the BBC announced that Di Prima would not return for the following series after allegations regarding his conduct during rehearsals. Reports later confirmed that the issue related to his treatment of celebrity partner Zara McDermott during training sessions.
Following the announcement, Di Prima publicly expressed regret over his actions. Subsequent reports stated that he acknowledged kicking his dance partner during rehearsals and apologized for behavior that contributed to his exit from the programme.
The BBC confirmed his departure after conducting its review, making the incident one of the most discussed developments surrounding the show in recent years.
Public Image After the Controversy
Despite the controversy, Graziano Di Prima remains an established figure within professional ballroom dancing.
Supporters continue to recognize his years of competitive experience and live performance work, while the events leading to his departure from Strictly Come Dancing have also prompted broader conversations about rehearsal standards, coaching methods, and participant welfare within competitive entertainment programmes.
Since leaving the BBC series, attention has largely focused on whether he will continue performing through independent tours, choreography projects, and international dance events.
Graziano Di Prima’s Net Worth
No verified public source has confirmed Graziano Di Prima’s exact net worth.
However, throughout his career, his income has primarily come from:
- Professional dance performances
- Television appearances
- Live theatre tours
- Choreography
- Brand partnerships and public appearances
Because reliable financial disclosures have not been published, any specific net worth figures circulating online should be treated with caution.
Why Graziano Di Prima Became Popular
Several factors contributed to his popularity:
- High-energy Latin dance performances
- Television exposure through Strictly Come Dancing
- International ballroom competition experience
- Strong stage charisma
- Engaging teaching style during celebrity partnerships
His Sicilian background and personal story also resonated with audiences, particularly his accounts of overcoming challenges to pursue a professional dance career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Graziano Di Prima?
Graziano Di Prima is an Italian professional dancer and choreographer best known for appearing as a professional dancer on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing between 2018 and 2023. Before television, he competed internationally and toured with professional dance productions.
Is Graziano Di Prima married?
Yes. Graziano Di Prima is married to fellow professional dancer Giada Lini. The couple married in 2022 and have performed together in various dance productions.
Why did Graziano Di Prima leave Strictly Come Dancing?
He left the programme in 2024 following allegations regarding his conduct during rehearsals with celebrity partner Zara McDermott. Di Prima later expressed regret for his actions, and the BBC confirmed he would not return to the series.
What dance style does Graziano Di Prima specialize in?
He specializes primarily in Latin ballroom dancing. His professional career includes competitive Latin dance, international touring productions, choreography, and television performances.
Does Graziano Di Prima have a Guinness World Record?
Yes. In 2019, he achieved a Guinness World Record by completing 90 Botafogo dance steps in 30 seconds during a challenge on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two.
Conclusion
Graziano Di Prima built an impressive reputation through years of competitive ballroom dancing, international touring, and his appearances on Strictly Come Dancing. His energetic Latin performances and engaging personality helped him become one of the programme’s recognizable professionals. While his television career was significantly affected by the events surrounding his departure in 2024, his achievements in professional dance remain an important part of his story. As interest in his career continues, many followers remain focused on how he shapes the next chapter of his work beyond mainstream television.
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