Zara McDermott deleted a post praising her Strictly partner Graziano Di Prima‘s ‘inspiring work ethic’ amid allegations he ‘punched and kicked her’ during rehearsals.

The duo were partnered on last year’s Strictly Come Dancing and made it to week six (Halloween week) before being eliminated.

After losing the dreaded dance off to Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk, Zara, 27, thanked her ‘amazing partner’ on the dance floor, before taking to Instagram to share a gushing post about her time on the show and her partner.

Alongside a montage of snaps together, she praised Graziano, 30, by writing: ‘From the day I met you Graz, you told me every day that I am strong, beautiful and confident.

‘I believe that everything happens for a reason, and I know that we were meant to be friends for life. You have taught me so much about myself and our laughter every single day has brought me so much joy.’
Zara McDermott deleted a post praising her Strictly partner Graziano Di Prima’s ‘inspiring work ethic’ amid allegations he ‘punched and kicked her’ during rehearsals

The duo were partnered on last year’s Strictly Come Dancing and made it to week six (Halloween week) before being eliminated

Zara continued: ‘I never got bored of spending over 12 hours a day with you, and your work ethic has inspired me beyond words.

‘You made me believe in myself in those moments that I absolutely didn’t and the bond we have built is truly an unbreakable one.’

Elsewhere in the caption, Zara noted that she had been on a ‘huge challenge, physically and mentally’ and said it had been an ‘honour and a privilege to be a part of something so iconic and magical.’

She concluded her post:  ‘I am forever grateful to every single one of you who made my Strictly experience one that I will think about with a HUGE smile on my face every day for the rest of my life.’

Zara’s post has since been deleted but it’s not clear when she took it down.

The Love Island star still has other pictures and videos with Graziano on her feed

Speaking about her experience on the Strictly results show, Zara said: ‘I have had the time of my life. Just to be here is incredible. Thank you to the judges and my amazing partner obviously.

‘My fellow contestants are just incredible. It has been the most amazing experience. I can’t believe it’s over but I am going to be here in spirit every week supporting them.’

Meanwhile, Graziana told his dance partner that he was ‘so proud’ of her and said she is what Strictly ‘is all about’.

He said: ‘She has been great for me 8am till 9pm. Never stopping, asking just for a half an hour break.

‘She is literally what Strictly is all about. A real novice, coming in, putting all the hard job.

Strictly Come Dancing has been engulfed in another training scandal, with reports of Graziano Di Prima ‘s verbally and physically abusing his dance partner Zara McDermott

He later took to Instagram to share a snap of their Halloween Charleston, penning: ‘THIS PICTURE SAYS IT ALL!! You are what Strictly is all about, with humbleness, zero ego, rehearsing 12 hours per day.

Strictly Come Dancing has been engulfed in another training scandal, with reports of Graziano Di Prima 's verbally and physically abusing his dance partner Zara McDermott

You went trough pain, lots of .. AGAIN AGAIN AGAIN!! Never complained, always pushing yourself to learn more! YOU DID IT! Six week in the competition for a person that has never danced before!! ❤️

‘It’s a massive achievement, you have grown so much, in confidence and also in dancing!!

‘THANK YOU FOR TRUSTING ME ! I’m so proud of you!! So proud to call you my friend!! ❤️’

News of Graziano’s sacking has come as a shock to many, as the Italian professioanl and Zara appeared to be firm friends during the process.

Indeed, the pair hinted at many squabbles and disagreements in the rehearsal rooms, but these were turned into humorous TikTok videos.

Since allegations emerged that Graziano ‘kicked and hit’ Zara during rehearsals, these videos have been viewed in a different light.

On September 19, Zara shared a humorous video in which she claimed the professional had compared her to a ‘camel’.

Sharing a video of the pair at lunch, she added audio from an episode of The Kardashians, in which Kourtney and Khloe were rowing.

Graziano was seen as Kourtney Kardashian was heard saying: ‘I think you take things really sensitvely and that’s fine, I just need to not make those jokes with you.’

It then cut to Zara as Khloe Kardashian replied: ‘No, I think they’re just rude.’

As the camera panned back to Graziano, Kourtney said: ‘Well to me it’s a joke but to you it’s rude so I wont make them.’

Zara captioned the video: ‘When I get upset after he told me I dance like a camel.’

Three days later, Zara poked fun at Graziano not giving her time to take a break, sharing a video of herself eating a sandwich while the dancer looked exasperated and declared: ‘We haven’t got time!’