Strictly Come Dancing fans were left with the same wish after seeing Giovanni Pernice reunite with Rose Ayling-Ellis in the ballroom. The BBC's hit dance contest returned to screens on Friday night (September 23) with its launch show seeing the celebrities paired with their professional partners for the first time.
The 20th series of the popular dance contest was due to return last Saturday night but the BBC took the decision to postpone following the death of the Queen until after her state funeral which took place on Monday. And things got off to a beautiful start when the show opened with a stunning ballroom performance from the fabulous professional dancers.
It was then over to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman to officially kick off Strictly 2022 and welcome the judges - Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and head judge Shirley Ballas - back onto the panel for another glitter-filled series.
And while viewers were delighted to see the show back on screens, it wasn't long before some were left in tears as Giovanni and Rose performed for a final time on the show after lifting the Glitterball trophy back in December 2021.
First thought, Strictly fans saw Rose appear in a VT where she called her experience on the much-loved show a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and praised Giovanni for his support and teaching. "I can't believe it's been 1 year, it's gone so fast," she said. "I miss being in the training room with Giovanni a lot."
They then saw them reunite in the training room and actress Rose, who left EastEnders this week, praised the Italian dancer for adapting to teach her as the show's first deaf contestant - and first deaf winner.
The pair danced their Viennese waltz, from week five of last year's competition to the Alicia Keys track Fallin' which incorporated the use of sign language into the routine.
And fans were over the moon to see them back together and rushed to social media to comment. @bean04 said: "Good that in an ever changing world, I still cry when I see Rose and Giovanni on #Strictly." @Rosie12_1994 tweeted: "#Strictly that was gorgeous. Rose and Giovanni are just incredible."
@Beckie_Miller_ commented: "Rose and Giovanni never fail to give me goosebumps. My favourite partnership EVER! #Strictly." @vicindeed posted: "Rose and Giovanni make me well up just being there #Strictly." @RachMC98 added: "Makes my heart warm seeing Rose and Giovanni back on my screen #Strictly."
And some shared the same wish. @bizzlelizzle tweeted: "Rose and Giovanni! Wish they were competing again this year! #Strictly #strictlycomedancing #rosegiovanni." @Beckie_Miller_ said: "Just let Rose and Giovanni compete together this year as well. I love them #Strictly." @Rosy7859 added: "I wish Rose + Giovanni were on every year, they were absolutely fantastic last year - it was so special to watch them. To see them dance one last time tonight is fab. Thanks #Strictly/" While @xAaBbx03 suggested: "Give me an all star series of strictly so I can see Rose and Giovanni dancing again please #strictly."
READ NEXT:
- BBC Strictly Come Dancing viewers rush to comment on Tess Daly's 'tin foil' outfit
- BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans make the same countdown comment seconds into series launch
- Rylan Clark leaves fans disappointed as he shares BBC Strictly Come Dancing news
- ITV Corrie's Millie Gibson cuddles up to Mikey North before revealing big trip plans in glam This Morning appearance
- Holly Willoughby in social media return after silence since 'queue jump' saga
