24 October 2023 , 09:26
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Giovanni Pernice's close friend Rose-Ayling Ellis has supported the dancer after his Strictly Come Dancing partner, Amanda Abbington, quit the show.
Strictly It Takes Two host Fleur East confirmed Amanda's departure on Monday, telling fans the Sherlock star, 49, was "unable to continue" in the competition. 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.
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. Rose and Giovanni formed an incredibly close bond when they lifted the Glitterball trophy in 2021. The EastEnders star made history as the first deaf contestant to compete in the show and was showered in praise by the judges and the audience.
Giovanni Pernice's close friend Rose-Ayling Ellis has supported the dancer after his Strictly Come Dancing partner, Amanda Abbington, quit the show (rose.a.e/Instagram)
Amanda has sadly decided to withdraw from the competition (BBC/Ray Burmiston)Giovanni couldn't hide his admiration for 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."
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.
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Rose liked Gio's post about missing working with Amanda (Instagram/giovannipernice)Former EastEnders actress Rose recently got fans wishing the close pals would dance together again when she uploaded a snap to Instagram. Sporting some fabulous leather trousers and an oversized shirt, Rose was complimented on her outfit as one fan said: "Wish you and Gio were dancing this year again! x." Another chimed in: "I think that as well, only my opinion but I don’t think it’s the same when he dances with anyone else..."
A third said: "I [know] one day we will all get a nice surprise and her and Gio will put on a show come on you two." While a fourth mused: "I think BBC missed out [and] should have made a Rose and Gio programme after they won."
Giovanni looked upbeat at the weekend as he appeared on Strictly without Amanda after the mum-of-two pulled out of the live show due to medical reasons. There had been hope the promising pair would return to the competition this weekend, but it was confirmed on It Takes Two their time on the dance floor was over.
In a statement read out on the BBC2 spin-off show, host Fleur said: "Amanda Abbington is unable to continue in Strictly Come Dancing and has decided to withdraw from the competition. The show wishes her all the best for the future." The Sax star then showed Amanda and Giovanni's best bits on the show, before sending her own well wishes to the actress.