02 November 2023 , 13:35
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Strictly Come Dancing's Giovanni Pernice posted an adorable clip of his former dance partner Rose Ayling-Ellis after they enjoyed a night out together.
The professional dancer reunited with the EastEnders actress as they enjoyed a glam meal at the Royal Opera House in London. They sipped champagne in the gorgeous setting as Giovanni jokingly teased Rose about her "smelly breath" after eating onion soup. Rose and Giovanni have remained close friends following their time on the BBC dance competition in 2021.
Their impressive and emotional dances resulted in the pair winning the series. Taking to his Instagram, Giovanni cheekily told Rose: "I tell you what you should do. You should drink that," as he pointed to her glass. A puzzled Rose asked: "Why?," to which the dancer replied: "Because you got smelly breath."
Giovanni shared a sweet clip of Rose dancing at home (instagram)
The pair won Strictly in 2021 (PA)Rose defended herself and said: "That's peppermint." She reached for a bowl of olives and added: "No onion soup anymore, it's now olive breath." A laughing Gio then told her: "I'm sorry, I'm sorry." He later returned to his Instagram stories to share a sweet clip of Rose at home after they'd watched a performance of The Cellist for World Ballet Day.
Rose attempted her best ballerina impression in a living room as Giovanni wrote: "She got inspired apparently..." Former EastEnders actress Rose made history as the first deaf contestant to compete on Strictly and was showered in praise by the judges and the audience. Her chemistry with Giovanni was undeniable and since their win, the two have maintained a close relationship.
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Giovanni has had a tough time on this year's Strictly as his stint on the show was cut short. His celeb partner actress Amanda Abbington quit the competition for "personal reasons". Following the news, Giovanni posted a photo of himself and Amanda beaming backstage in the BBC studio, saying he was "so sad" their Strictly journey had come to an end.
Amanda announced that she quit the show just over a week ago by releasing a statement. She said that the decision didn't come "lightly" as well as failing to mention her professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice. Sharing an image of a pair of shoes, Amanda revealed that she withdrew from the competition due to "personal reasons". She said: "It is with deepest regret that I had to leave Strictly. I did not come to this decision easily or lightly but for personal reasons I am unable to continue. It was an absolute joy working with my fellow contestants, they are a beautiful, hardworking and talented group of people who I love and who I will miss seeing every Friday and Saturday and competing alongside.
"I want to thank the incredible Production team and everyone on Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring. It’s a wonderful bunch of people and I’ll miss all of them." Amanda concluded her announcement with: "I’m so sad that I am unable to go any further. Thank you to everyone who voted and who sent wonderful messages and inspiring support. You are all amazing. Truly. Thank you. xxx"
After rumours emerged that Giovanni and Amanda didn't see eye to eye while they competed together, he shared a sweet message about the pairing. Sharing a snap of himself and Amanda taken backstage during Movie Week, he said: "Amanda ..I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love."
Rose then reached out and showed her support to her former Strictly Come Dancing professional partner by liking the post in a show of solidarity. Giovanni couldn't hide his admiration for former his dance partner – even being inspired by Rose to learn British Sign Language, who won a BAFTA for her performance on the show. In September last year, the Italian took to Instagram, announcing: "I’m learning some BSL (British Sign Language), a journey I started last year after being partnered with Rose, who is now a close friend."