STRICTLY Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice has shared a sweet tribute to Rose Ayling-Ellis after she won an prestigious award.
EastEnders actress Rose, who together with Giovanni won last year’s series of Strictly, scooped a gong at the Visionary Honours 2022.
The profoundly deaf star was awarded International Person Of The Year at the glitzy event, which was held in London.
Sharing a picture of Rose with her award on Instagram, Giovanni wrote: “Proud of you @rose.a.e.”
Showing fans his feelings towards his friend, he also added a red heart emoji and a rose.
Rose has since replied to his sweet post, saying: “Thank you @giovannipernice and huge congratulations for your opening night last night.”
TRUE INSPIRATION
Latin dance champ Giovanni’s solo tour Giovanni Pernice: This Is Me opened in Coventry on the night Rose scooped her award.
Rose has since written on her own page: “I am beyond flattered to have won the inspirational person of the year award.
“I always believe the most important people are the ones who we inspire.
“For me it is the deaf people who have become more confident and prouder of their identity and the hearing people who want to learn more and to do better.
That is where the real change happens.”
Giovanni has replied with three hearts.
The latest exchange between Rose and Giovanni comes two weeks after she told him their friendship is “special” as the Strictly tour came to a close.
Sharing a picture of herself and her dance partner on Instagram, Rose wrote: “Six months ago, I didn’t have a clue what I signed up for and to be honest I was terrified.
“Now, I know for sure that it was the best decision I have ever made, what a crazy ride and life changing experience it has been.
“@giovannipernice, I am so grateful that you were part of my strictly journey. Thank you for telling my story and showing everyone who I am. Our friendship is so special and lasting for sure.”
Reflecting on the future, she added: “Now I am home, in my safe space with some calmness after the whirlwind that was strictly.
“I feel myself heading off to new adventures and I can’t wait to see what happen next. But I will never forget everything that strictly has given me. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
