celeb interview
Professional dancer Graziano Di Prima on living his dream and surviving the odds
One of the Sicilian stallions on Strictly Come Dancing, Graziano Di Prima has made his mark since joining the show in 2018.
The hunky professional dancer, who started dancing when he was six, has partnered DJ Vick Hope, Loose Women panellist Judi Love, actress Kym Marsh and, most recently, Love Island star Zara McDermott.
Having shown his fancy footwork on the Strictly Live and Burn The Floor tours, 29-year-old Graz – as he’s affectionately known – now stars in his own solo show and tour, Believe – My Life On Stage, with his dancer-choreographer wife Giada, 33.
He takes time out of rehearsals to tell us more…
It’s been quite the ride since you joined Strictly in 2018, hasn’t it?
I’m living the dream. It’s been incredible. Strictly was the answer that I was waiting for all my life. It made me realise that I have chosen the right path. I come from a small village in Sicily and grew up in a humble family. My parents are farmers. No one else in the family danced. Since I was a child, I had been trying to make it as a dancer. My parents did everything for me so I could pursue my hobby. When I received the call from Strictly, I was in shock. Being on Strictly is the best thing ever.
What’s the most challenging thing about Strictly?
When Strictly starts, we live for it – from the moment we wake up until we close our eyes. We need to teach the celebrity to dance, prepare the choreography and find a way to make the most of our 90-second routine. Plus there are the group numbers and injuries. But the Strictly family make us feel so blessed and lucky to be there. Every week is a blast.
Who’s your dream celebrity partner?
If I have to dream big, Jennifer Lopez would be perfect for me.
Does Giada worry about you being on Strictly with the constantly swirling romance rumours?
Not really. We do the same job and I’ve been so honest with my celebrities. She is always aware of what’s going on and she is always a p
