Strictly Come Dancing winner Rose Ayling-Ellis has broken her silence after her professional partner Giovanni Pernice reportedly “quit” the BBC show.
According to The Sun, one source has claimed Giovanni is looking for new opportunities – though the BBC has neither confirmed nor denied that Gio will not appear in the pro line-up later this year. The source claimed: “Gio feels the scrutiny on him has become too much, and now is the time to make a fresh start. He wants to focus on other TV projects, and feels he’s achieved all he can on Strictly, having won the trophy back in 2021 and reaching the final an unprecedented four times.
“He remains adamant he’s done nothing wrong other than being a hard taskmaster, but knows his style of training isn’t to everyone’s liking — especially in this day and age.” Now Rose has opened up about a new project on social media – and seems to be keeping quiet on the Giovanni front.
READ MORE: Bridgerton fans ‘gagging’ at carriage romp as one star ‘demanded nude scene’
READ MORE: Click for more brilliant Daily Star showbiz stories
Instead, she reached out to followers to promote she’s been cast in a new revenge thriller Reunion at the BBC, with filming already beginning in Yorkshire. She’ll be starring alongside Matthew Gurney, Lara Peake, Anne-Marie Duff and Eddie Marsan in the new drama.
Spilling the news on Instagram, she was immediately supported by her Strictly co-stars, writing: “I’m so excited to be joining William Mager’s Reunion and to be working alongside such a talented cast, whose work I have long admired. It is a very special project and an important moment for the deaf community's representation on TV.”
Former BBC Breakfast star Dan Walker responded to her news: “YES ROSE!!” while Rhys Stephenson added a row of clapping emojis in the comments section. Professional dancers Karen Hauer and Luba Mushtuk were also on hand to offer support, with Luba confirming she is “proud” of EastEnders star Rose.
Rose took to her Instagram stories to praise the deaf representation in the new series of Netflix period drama Bridgerton, telling fans: “How delightful!” with a gloved waving sticker. Deaf actress Sophie Woolley is playing “deaf society mama” Lady Stowell in the new series, and took to her own account to praise the cast and crew she worked alongside.
Sophie penned: “Celebrating Bridgerton season 3 day! So excited to join the Ton this season as Lady Stowell - a Regency Deaf society mama of debutante, Miss Stowell, played by an incredible diamond of a performer and human, Kitty Devlin. It was a joy to work her and such an incredibly skilled and talented cast and crew.
Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter.
“First shout outs to my agent @agentmford @hatch_talent including Lucy and Sophie, to @shondaland and to the brilliant The Deaf Set @thedeafset for their support during the shoot including @duchess_of_harrow… Bridgerton3 part 1 is on Netflix now and part 2 releases on 13 June. The leads @nicolacoughlan and @lukenewtonuk are [fire emoji].”
