Strictly star Giovanni Pernice
TV

Giovanni Pernice praised by Strictly fans after winning with Rose Ayling-Ellis

The pair reduced fans - and Anton Du Beke - to tears last night

| Updated:

Strictly Come Dancing viewers have praised Giovanni Pernice after winning the show with Rose Ayling-Ellis.

The pair stunned viewers with their incredible performances during the BBC One final last night (December 18).

But as Giovanni lifted the Glitterball Trophy with Rose, viewers were quick to comment on his “change” over the course of the series.

Strictly star Giovanni Pernice
Strictly fans have praised Giovanni Pernice (Credit: BBC)

Strictly star Giovanni Pernice

During last night’s finale, Rose and Giovanni left Anton Du Beke in tears with their emotional silent dance.

As the judges gave their thoughts, the star struggled to hide his emotions.

Fighting back tears, Anton said: “I’m glad you didn’t come to me first, you absolutely slay me every time I watch you dance, I am a wreck.

Read more: Motsi Mabuse fires back as Strictly fans accuse her of ‘not being happy’ with result

“Every time I watch you dance, when you see a moment like this a second time, it can sometimes lose its lustre, and all I have written on my page here is just perfect.”

Following the Couple’s Choice routine, viewers also took to social media to share their thoughts.

“I forgot the silent dance was coming and now I’m crying again,” one said, while another added: “This Rose and Gio dance makes me cry every time.”

Strictly star Anton Du Beke chokes up over Giovanni and Rose's dance
The pair reduced Anton Du Beke to tears (Credit: BBC)

What did other Strictly fans say?

But while some praised the pair for their performances on the night, others commented on Rose and Giovanni’s partnership.

Many believed that the Italian dancer has “changed” following their time together.

Following their win, Giovanni fought back tears and said: “I just have to say it’s been a dream to be able to dance with you. It’s been a dream sharing this journey with you.

He’s a changed man

“It’s my privilege to share the journey with you. I’ve definitely met a friend, a best friend for life.”

Shortly after the speech, one fan said: “He’s a changed man, well done on winning.”

Another added: “Gio finally winning after getting to all these finals, I’m delighted for him. I know it’s about the celeb, but he has impressed me on new levels this year.

Strictly star Giovanni Pernice gives speech to partner
Giovanni gave a heartfelt speech to Rose (Credit: BBC)

“He’s had to change everything he knows about teaching and I think he’s learnt just as much from Rose. Perfect partnership.”

In addition, a third agreed: “Deffo. Same here. He’s a different man this year.”

A fourth commented: “He is so different this year. Rose has had this effect on him I think.”

Read more: Strictly fans disappointed as show fails to ‘acknowledge’ John Whaite and Johannes Radebe

A fourth added: “He’s never smiled so widely, he was energised, Rose was like a bolt of lightning to him. You could see he was loving every second of being with her, not just on the dance floor.

“A really powerful platonic love that was innocent, moving & sweet. Hope they’re friends forever.”

A fifth tweeted: “Perfect partner to get him to lift the trophy.”

https://twitter.com/mevmanning/status/1472339887751901187

https://twitter.com/victoriacarlin_/status/1472315921679192069

Another posted: “Oh just beautiful! And Giovanni completely changed, way less arrogant than he has been in other years.”

One Strictly fan claimed: “Giovanni is a forever changed man thanks to his partnership with Rose #StrictlyFinal.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8ZkeY6TPB0&t=3s

Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think of this story.


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor