Strictly Come Dancing stars Giovanni Pernice and Rose Ayling-Ellis have seemingly drifted apart, despite previously sparking romance rumour

Rose and Giovanni won Strictly in 2021 (Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing champions Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice were once inseparable, even sparking rumours of a romantic relationship.

They shared an unforgettable moment in 2021 when they lifted the highly coveted glitterball trophy, with former EastEnders actress Rose becoming the first deaf contestant to not only participate but also win the BBC show.

Their silent dance, a tribute to the deaf community, was later crowned TV Moment of the Year. The duo continued to charm fans on the Strictly tour, frequently sharing snapshots and clips of each other on social media.

The following year, they joined forces for a mental health awareness campaign, releasing a poignant black and white photograph.

Rose, 30, even travelled to Giovanni’s homeland, Sicily, where she met his sister Angela during an episode of his BBC One travel show, co-hosted by Strictly judge Anton Du Beke.

However, since May 2022, when the pair attended the Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards, Rose’s Instagram has been devoid of any mention of Giovanni. This absence has led fans to question whether their close friendship has faltered.

Anton, Rose and Giovanni travelled to Sicily (Image: BBC)

As Giovanni prepares to grace our screens this weekend for the Strictly Come Dancing 20th anniversary special, we delve into what might have caused the rift…

The silence from Rose regarding allegations of Gio’s ‘bullying’ is telling, reports the Mirror.

Strictly’s Gio has been sidelined from the show amidst a BBC probe into allegations of misconduct made by his ex-dance partner Amanda Abbington.

Amanda levelled accusations of “abusive” and “bullying” behaviour against the Italian dancer during last year’s rehearsals, which she claims resulted in PTSD.

Gio has consistently refuted these allegations, and following a nine-month investigation, the BBC concluded that there was no physical aggression on Giovanni’s part towards his celebrity partner. However, they did recognise some lesser complaints regarding verbal bullying and harassment.

The situation has left many wondering why Rose, who is said to have had a positive experience with Gio, has not publicly supported him.

Amanda accused Giovanni of misconduct (Image: BBC)

At the time, a source told The Sun: “Rose is finding the whole situation really tough. She had a really great experience with Gio so is really shocked by it all. She of course believes what others are saying but she is just trying to not get involved. She won’t be speaking about it publicly.”

Meanwhile, there seems to be a rift growing between Gio and Rose, evidenced by Gio’s noticeable absence in liking Rose’s social media posts, although they continue to follow each other online, their once overt mutual support has dwindled, hinting that they may no longer be in touch.

Previously, Gio would have been among the first to celebrate Rose’s accomplishments, especially those related to her advocacy for the deaf community.

This would’ve included her triumphant moments such as the announcement of her new children’s book on significant deaf figures a project she calls a “lifelong dream,” Giovanni’s absence in likes is conspicuous.

This sparked backlash among fans who sensed some tension, with one pleading: “Please please please support Giovanni, he was so good with you Rose deep down you know he’s done nothing wrong.”

Another implored her: “Please look after him Rose like he did with you.”

The duo’s chemistry on Strictly appeared unshakeable, it has yet to be seen if they will reignte their once close bond.