Strictly Come Dancing winner and former EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis visited her pro dance partner Giovanni Pernice in his native Sicily recently. Rose, best known for playing Frankie Lewis on EastEnders, posed for a picture with Giovanni, 32, at his sister Angela's dance studio in Sicily.
Angela was also in the picture, which was obtained by The Sun, along with Strictly star Anton du Beke. Rose won the show in December last year, partnering up with professional Giovanni Pernice, 33, and her career instantly skyrocketed, the Mirror reports.
The visit comes as romance rumours have surrounded the pair for months, with 27-year-old Rose said to have split from her boyfriend Samuel Arnold. They were together for seven years before going their separate ways and the split is said to be "very amicable".
Rose and Samuel are said to have split after realising there was no future for them romantically. A friend explained: "They spent a lot of time apart while Rose was away on tour, which has had an impact.
READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing stars go public with romance
"It’s been difficult for them both, of course, but they’re certain it’s the right move — and Sam’s had a shoulder to cry on in their mutual friend Aimee."
Rose's career skyrocketed since her Strictly victory with Giovanni in 2021. She had an incredible stint on the show, with the deaf star raising awareness for her community time and time again.
Rose and Giovanni's friendship blossomed behind the scenes, which set tongues wagging about if there was something more between the pair.
A source said: "Rose helped Giovanni see the world through new eyes and he’s dedicated to learning sign language for her."
The dancer revealed last week that he was even learning British Sign Language as part of a Cadbury fingers campaign.
Taking to Instagram, Giovanni said: "If more of us learnt a little sign language, we could help more people feel included."
Rose commented: "Love this very much," as one fan replied: "He's doing himself and you proud. The best partnership ever."
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