Rose Ayling-Ellis is looking forward to 'new adventures' as she wraps up the Strictly Come Dancing live tour.
The EastEnders star stormed to victory in last year’s final, as she and professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice were the winners of the coveted Glitterball trophy in an emotional final that saw John Whaite and Johannes Radebe finish as runners up.
Several of the celebrities signed up to appear on the Strictly Come Dancing live tour, which kicked off in January, and Rose reflected on her dancing journey in an emotional post on Instagram.
Sharing a slideshow of candid Polaroid photographs taken of her and Giovanni backstage after winning the Glitterball, the 27-year-old said she was looking forward to taking a break after performing on the 33-date tour, which finished on Sunday.
Rose confessed she had “no idea” what she had signed up for when she agreed to be a contestant on Strictly, and was blown away by the whirlwind that has followed since she made history as the first-ever deaf celebrity on the BBC One show.
“Six months ago, I didn't have a clue what I signed up for and to be honest I was terrified. Now, I know for sure that it was the best decision I have ever made, what a crazy ride and life changing experience it has been,” she began.
Rose then paid tribute to her Italian dance partner, who has been by her side since they teamed up in September.
“@giovannipernice , I am so grateful that you were part of my strictly journey. Thank you for telling my story and showing everyone who I am. Our friendship is so special and lasting for sure,” she continued.
“Thank you to everyone who supported us, it has blown me away, you are the reason we got this far and made such an impact not just from dancing. Without you all, it would not have been possible,” Rose added.
The actress said she had now retreated back to her “safe space” at home, and was looking forward to “some calmness after the whirlwind that was strictly”.
“I feel myself heading off to new adventures and I can't wait to see what happen next. But I will never forget everything that strictly has given me,” Rose wrote.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Her famous friends flooded the comments with messages of support and emojis, including her Strictly pals Claudia Winkleman, Motsi Mabuse, Ugo Monye, Rhys Stephenson and Adam Peaty.
“Champ,” former Strictly winner Stacey Dooley wrote, as Oti Mabuse added: “Queen.”
