Axed Strictly star Graziano Di Prima returns as 'tearful' fans react to news

penned a heartfelt update on Instagram. The former Strictly Come Dancing professional shared a rare post on Tuesday evening and showed his appreciation to "everyone who is there for me".

Graziano was sacked earlier this year following allegations of physical and verbal behaviour.

He returned to Italy from the UK and has stayed off social media.

Alongside a candid video of him dancing with his wife, Giada Lini, which also captured Graziano as a young performer. The couple danced to Andra Day's Rise Up, with the Italian-born pro admitting he's ready to return to dance again.

he began: "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.

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."

He added: "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."

His 249,000 followers flocked to comment on the post, as some admitted they missed him on the current BBC series.

One fan wrote: "You are totally missed off strictly come dancing you didn't deserve what happened to you."

Another penned: "Miss you in Strictly Come Dancing Graziano![crying emoji]."

A third remarked: "Welcome Back! I understand everything has been so difficult but I hope this is you back, stronger than before and this is the new Graziano, ready for all the new projects and ventures to come."

A fourth commented: "Bigger and better things, don't let what's been going on reflect or hold your life back any longer. You got this."

A fifth shared: "Miss seeing you dance. Hopefully soon you will be back in the UK somewhere and I can come and see you."

The Italian dancer, 30, was axed from the show in July over reports he verbally abused his celebrity dance partner Zara McDermott.

At the time, Graziano, too, spoke out, saying he had "deep regrets".

The dancer wrote: "I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.

"Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it's best for the show that I step away."

The former BBC star moved back to his hometown in Italy and was spotted picking fruit at his old job over the summer.