Graziano Di Prima so 'grateful' for support as he announces new job after Strictly axe

Graziano di Prima is making a comeback (Image: BBC)

Strictly's Graziano di Prima made a grateful tribute to fans who have supported him in the wake of his kicking scandal with Love Islander Zara McDermott last year.

The former BBC pro admitted kicking her but insisted it was accidental. He was so devastated after being axed from the show for "gross misconduct" that he returned to his native Sicily, where he picked grapes and dug graves on a farm. He has now announced that he is "so grateful" while unveiling his plans for a major UK comeback to the profession that has always been "at the centre of my life."

He'll be joining dance champ Pasquale La Rocca as a special guest on December 1, when the pair will hit the West End together to offer joint dance classes at the Du Boisson Studios. No one will need a partner, as each can learn from the duo solo, while the classes, which are spread out over a five-hour period, will be suitable for all, "regardless of skill level."

Graziano gushed to co-star Pasquale, who won the Italian Dancing With The Stars last year: "Thank you for the invite. I cannot wait to dance with you all!" He also paid a passionate tribute to fans who have stuck by him in spite of the uncertainty he has faced recently.

"So grateful for all of your comments and messages. You mean more than words can say," he wrote on Instagram last night. "Thank you, truly, to each and every one of you."

Graziano Di Prima dances with wife Giada Lini

Graziano - who, according to The Sun, could be about to challenge the BBC and claim for unfair dismissal - broke his silence with in an Instagram post.

On Tuesday, he shared an atmospheric video of himself and wife Giada Lini walking beside a bridge at night.

He vowed: "Dance has always been the center of my life, my greatest passion, the path I chose and dedicated years of study, sacrifice, and love to.

"After a period of reflection, I feel stronger than ever and eager to return to what I love most: dancing."

Graziano continued: "The future is a whole world of new open windows, ready to welcome new dreams and new challenges, and I'm excited to continue this journey with even more determination and inspiration.'

"A heartfelt thank you to everyone who is always there for me. I'm thrilled to dance again with the same enthusiasm and dedication as always.

"See you soon, whether on stage or through new projects that I will be very excited to share with you."

He received more than 15,000 likes on his post, with one fan declaring: "After all the injustice that has been done against you... rise from the ashes like a phoenix beautiful soul!!"