08 January 2024 , 09:50
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Giovanni Pernice started a close friendship with Rose Ayling-Ellis when they became Strictly Come Dancing partners.
The professional dancer and EastEnders star wowed the judges and viewers as they lifted the Glitterball trophy in 2021. Rose made history as the first deaf contestant to compete in the show and formed an incredibly close bond with the dancer. However, Strictly hasn't always been a success story for Giovanni.
The Italian joined the BBC show in 2015 and holds the record for earning the most number of perfect 10s in its history - a staggering 98 over eight series. Yet his partnerships have come under scrutiny over the years with rumours of meltdowns and rows. His 2023 series was cut short when actress Amanda Abbington quit the show citing personal reasons.
Giovanni Pernice and Rose Ayling-Ellis met on Strictly in 2021It has since been reported Amanda has requested footage backstage footage of herself and Giovanni after revealing she is suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She is now said to be keen to review recordings after taking legal advice. In the past, Gio's partners have claimed his "intense" training schedules have left them "broken".
Former Love Island host Laura Whitmore described feeling "uncomfortable" with her partner, which made her "cry every day" during her stint in 2016. While Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh admitted to having a "total meltdown" in rehearsals, saying the partnership suffered a "20-minute divorce". In 2022, there were rumours Giovanni and partner Richie Anderson "didn't click".
EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness
Giovanni and Rose have remained close friends after being partnered on Strictly (giovannipernice/Instagram)
His latest partner Amanda Abbington says she has PTSD (PA)However, Giovanni couldn't hide his admiration for Rose when they were partnered together on the dance competition. He even became inspired to learn British Sign Language, after Rose won a BAFTA for her performance on the show. Giovanni said: "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."
The stars reunited in 2022 to raise awareness for those suffering with mental health, releasing a beautiful black and white photo for the thought-provoking campaign, which showcased their unbreakable bond. Rose also visited Giovanni in his native Sicily, where she was introduced to the star's sister Angela on Gio's BBC One travel show with Strictly judge Anton Du Beke.
The pair often meet up with each other (Giovanni Pernice Instagram)
They have kept fans updated with their friendship off screen (rose.a.e/Instagram)Rose even supported him by liking a post in a show of solidarity when his dance partner Amanda Abbington announced her sudden departure from the latest series of the dance competition. To keep his mind off the drama, Giovanni and Rose went for a very swanky candlelit dinner at the Royal Opera House.
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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..." Fans have loved seeing Giovanni and Rose maintain their friendship off-screen.