The 30-year-old was sacked from the show earlier this year after allegations of physical and verbal misconduct.
It centred around his partnership with Love Island's Zara McDermott during last year's series.
But as Graziano returned to social media this week, he was flooded with support from his former Strictly colleagues.
In footage interweaved with his childhood dancing videos, the pair performed to Andra Day's Rise Up on a bridge for the Instagram post.
Beeb bosses previously told off Shirley, 64, after she spoke out in stern support of Giovanni Pernice following his departure.
They had banned show stars from speaking about the 33-year-old dancer during the BBC probe into his behaviour with Amanda Abbington.
At the time of his departure, Italian dancer Graziano said: “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.”
He continued: “While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
“I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future.”
Graziano's Return To Dance
Di Prima's last post on the site had been one in praise of his mother, who he kissed on the head as the allegations against him first broke. Despite owning up to the ‘kick’ with his rep’s statement, Di Prima later claimed his foot ‘brushed’ McDermott after he ‘kicked the floor in frustration’ due to the ‘pressure of the show.’
Recalling the incident in a different light, Di Prima told the Daily Mail: ‘I’m not a monster. I’m not an abusive man.
‘The only thing I can think of is the time I kicked the floor in frustration. We’d practised hour after hour to perfect a routine with lifts. It wasn’t easy but that’s the pressure of the show.
‘I wasn’t meaning to kick her. I’d never, never do that. My foot brushed her after I kicked the floor.’
He insisted he had then hugged her, apologised and they ‘carried on’ with there being ‘no problem’.
In the same interview, he vowed to ‘dance again’, sharing: ‘I will bring joy to people again with my dancing because this is who I am: an international professional dancer, a man of integrity, a loving husband and son who has never forgotten where he’s come from.
‘I will not let these lies define me. They are not who I am.’
What's Next For Graziano
He was also said to be ‘under medical supervision’ after allegations about his teaching methods emerged in the summer, with his family saying that the ‘stress of the situation [was] causing significant concern’.
In a defiant message, Graziano wrote: “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.”
He then turned to his fans who have stood by him throughout his scandal, writing: “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.”
Di Prima's Support From Strictly Stars
Vito Coppola left a heartfelt message on the post, expressing just how much he misses Dr Prima on Strictly.
Writing in Italian, he said: ‘Friend of mine ❤️ This video moved me… tears of joy that demonstrate how much I love you. I miss you 🙌 One step at a time my friend… Always surround yourself with people who love you and who, in one way or another, contribute to enriching your life with love, joy, smiles and lots of happiness 🤞 I love you.’
Strictly pro Nancy Xu, who was eliminated from the competition with her celebrity partner Shayne Ward in a shock decision over the weekend, was one of the first associated with Strictly to share her support.
She left a string of purple heart emoji, while former competitors (and champions) Stacey Dooley and Hamza Yassin liked the post, alongside Channel 5 news anchor Dan Walker, dancer Michelle Tsiakkas, and judge Shirley Ballas.
Meanwhile, Chizzy Akudolu who danced the Cha Cha Cha with Di Prima on the 2019 Christmas special said: ‘Loving you Graz.’
