'Scared' Zara told chiefs she was OK

Strictly bosses probed Graziano rehearsal blast'

- TOM BRYANT

BBC producers spoke to Zara McDermott after allegedly witnessing Graziano Di Prima being verbally abusive in Strictly rehearsals, but she is said to have insisted she was fine.

It is understood the alleged incident involved bad language and that professional dancer Graziano was urged to be more considerate with his training advice.

A source said: "In hindsight, Zara was clearly too scared to speak up.

"It's heartbreaking that the full extent of what was happening wasn't apparent."