Giovanni Pernice came under fire from some of his fans after he shared a photo of himself reuniting with his Strictly Come Dancing co-star. The former champion of the BBC One dance contest headed out to watch judge and stage partner Anton Du Beke in his latest pantomime role.
In the photo, the pair could be seen grinning for the camera as they cosied up for the photo to be taken. Giovanni typed alongside the post: "Fantastic evening watching my partner in crime @mrantondubeke in Jack and the Beanstalk at @churchill_bromley."
It wasn't long before fans were gushing over Giovanni and Anton's friendship but some were quizzing Giovanni on whether he had been to support former dance partner Rose Ayling-Ellis, who has made her West End debut in the retelling of Shakespeare’s As You Like It.
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Giovanni and Rose made history on Strictly last year when the former EastEnders actress become the first deaf contestant to win the show. The pair captured the hearts of viewers right from the start of their dancing journey and eventually lifted the coveted Glitterball trophy.
The pair then went on to win a BAFTA TV award. Giovanni and Rose picked up Virgin Media's Must-See Moment at the 2022 BAFTA TV Awards for their powerful silent dance in the 2021 series of the long-running annual contest. The dancing duo reduced the judges and viewers to tears when they performed a stunning routine to Clean Bandit's Symphony where they celebrated the deaf community and let those watching into Rose's world with 10 seconds of silent dance.
And while the pair have remained supportive of each other ever since their triumph, some felt Giovanni had forgotten about Rose. But he was quick to prove them wrong as the 32-year-old returned to Instagram on Thursday (December 29) with a series of photos of himself alongside Rose after seeing her in her play.
"Another amazing evening, watching my second partner in crime @rose.a.e at @sohoplace with As You Like It," Giovanni typed alongside the images, which included the pair posing nicely for the camera before Rose got her pal into a headlock and tried messing up his hair. "Brilliant performances!" Giovanni added.
Rose was quick to comment on the post and she couldn't help but make a cheeky dig. "Nice to know that @mrantondubeke is your number one," she typed with a crying laughing emoji. But she then added; "Thank you soooo much for coming!"
Rose also shared the post to her own Instagram Story and said: "Thank you so much for coming to see 'As You Like It' last night. It was his first time watching Shakespeare and I'm glad this was the one." She also added alongside a crying laughing emoji: "Sorry for beating you up. (See the last photo)."
And fans went wild for the reunion. @bloodlinefilms said: "ROSEGIO REUNION WE LOVE TO SEE IT." @woodgatehelen commented: "Oh my Instagram has missed your antics together.. Happy New Year to both you and @giovannipernice." @ scrossrorever added: " It's made my day seeing this. You always look so happy together."
And others were quick to thank Giovanni for sharing the snaps - assuming he had read the negative comments on his previous post. @kriscosma23 said: "Thank you,Gio,for sharing it with us even if you didn't have to!It's always lovely seeing you two together!Lots of love for both." @gem_tops commented: "You didn't need to prove anything, but thank you so much for sharing these pictures of your friendship and support for each other."
@jimmyandarlene wrote: "Very grateful to you Giovanni for sharing this(as you did not have to)but it is appreciated .Miss you both lots as the banter between you two was just great.Well done to you both." @patriciahigney added: "Best team. Didnt doubt for a minute that you would support your friend . Love the headlock btw. She doesn't give you a minutes peace."
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