Strictly fans left devastated after pro Graziano Di Prima confirms he won’t be competing in the upcoming series

Hordes of Strictly Come Dancing fans have been left devastated by the news that professional dancer Graziano Di Prima will not be competing in the upcoming series of the BBC dance contest.

The hunky Italian ballroom professional, who only joined the cast of the programme last year alongside radio presenter Vick Hope, took to Instagram today make the sad announcement.

Sharing a statement with his 75K followers, 25-year-old Graziano assured fans that he would still be part of the show in other ways, penning: ‘Just letting all the fans know the I will not have a celeb partner this series, but don't worry… I am not going anywhere!

‘You will see me every Saturday/Sunday nights in all our amazing group dances, on It Takes Two and across the series.

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‘We will have some amazing routines already and I can't wait for you to see them all! To my fellow pros, good luck for a magical series" Let's do this and I love you all! Graz.’

Plenty of Graziano’s Strictly pals took to the comment section to show their support, with 2018 winner Stacey Dooley remarking: ‘One of my faves. Big love bro ❤️’; while runner up Joe Sugg left a row of red love heart emojis.

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Heaps of gutted Strictly fans quickly wrote dozens of disappointed messages, with one reassuring Graz: ‘Bad decision..you are the best most handsome and modern dancer they have..very sad however you will shine in group sets!🖤🖤🖤🖤,’ and a second chipping in: ‘Grazi grazi..... you will be missed. All female contestants will be devastated! 💖.’

Later, a third devastated commenter wrote: ‘This is a BAD decision and has ruined my morning 😣 you weren’t given a chance !!! You and Vick were improving week after week !! I hope you are okay ❤️.’