It’s hard not to be moved by Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice’s connection on Strictly Come Dancing. As the first-ever deaf contestant on the show, Rose’s pro partner Gio even learned sign language in order to communicate better with her. SO lovely.
The EastEnders actress has been an incredible on-screen representation for her disability and has inspired a drastic 2,000% increase in enrolments to British Sign Language courses since her first appearance on the show.
And the standout unforgettable moment, of which there are many, from Rose’s Strictly career was undoubtedly when she paid tribute to the deaf community with a moment of silence during her Couple’s Choice routine.
Much to everyone’s delight, Rose has confirmed to reporters that they’ll be performing the emotive choreography for a second time this Saturday. ‘[It was] such a big moment, it would be weird for us not to do it again,’ she said. ‘It changed my life.’
It’s been a heart-warming and impressive journey for the couple this series. So, before Rose and Giovanni (hopefully) lift that glitter ball trophy this weekend, let’s look back at their Strictly story.
Week One - Jive
To be totally honest, they had us at Taylor Swift. Rose burst onto screens in a rainbow feathered dress and didn't show any signs of first week nerves as she scored an impressive 22 points with her jive to Shake It Off.
Week Two - Salsa
For their second performance the pair upped the ante and got grooving to Cuba by the Gibson Brothers. They brought the party spirit to the dance floor to score 26 points. This early on, the incredible trust between them was already obvious.
Week Three - Fox Trot
With this ballroom number, Rose really came into her own to perform a ludicrously romantic Titanic-themed Fox Trot to My Heart Will Go On. As Craig Revel Horwood said on the night, it was 'A-MAZE-ING'.
Week Four - Cha Cha Cha
As usual, Rose and Giovanni put on a sensational performance for this Cha Cha Cha to Rasberry Beret by Prince. But fans were a little distracted in week four as they lost their minds over Gio's eyeliner. 'Holy mother of god Giovanni in eyeliner. Think I need a cold shower," one viewer Tweeted. Absolutely, fair enough.
Week Five - Viennese Waltz
Emotive as ever, in week five Rose and Gio performed a stunning Viennese Waltz to Fallin' by Alicia Keys. The routine started off with an impassioned argument, which the pair communicated in sign language. Rose later revealed on Instagram she had said: 'Me and you have broken up. I'm leaving,' before Gio replied: Stop, Rose! Let's have a chat. I'm sorry.' Drama.
Week Six - Tango
Their first perfect score! And the earliest one ever to be achieved on the show. The pair scooped their 40 points with this very icy tango to Shivers by Ed Sheeran. And they definitely deserved to make history for the performance.
Week Seven - Samba
Judge Anton Du Beke attempted to take a pop at Rose and Giovanni's Samba to Cinema Italiano by Kate Hudson, which scored them 32 points, as her complained that Rose seemed 'nervous'. Fans, obviously, rushed to slam him on Twitter and even Craig said he disagreed.
Week Eight - Couple's Choice
This was the routine with the earth-stopping silent moment. An amazing performance to Clean Bandit's Symphony ft. Zara Larsson, the pair scored an impressive 39 points while everyone else weeped in the background. We're already crying again just thinking about it.
Week Nine - Quick Step
In musicals week, Rose took on the role of Anna in Frozen as the pair quick stepped to Love Is An Open Door. Gio even took the blame for a 'last minute mistake' during the routine as judges picked them up on it, he defensively chimed in 'mine!' rather than let Rose be criticised. Cute.
Week Ten - Paso Doble
We were all left with our hearts in our mouths when Gio nearly dropped Rose on the floor during their Paso Doble to Californian Dreamin' by Sia. As the star span into her partner, she lost her footing a little before he rushed to reassure her that everything was alright. 'Tiny little stumble at the end but otherwise well done,' observed Shirley.
Week Eleven - American Smooth
Another week, another way to impress the judges. Rose and Gio made history in week eleven as they included a terrifying 'leap of faith' stunt that prompted Shirley Ballas to praise: 'You delivered a performance of a lifetime!'
Week Twelve - Argentine Tango AND Waltz
Twirling elegantly to Ellie Goulding's How Long Will I Love You, this Waltz left us in pieces and secured Rose and Gio their well-deserved place in the final this Saturday along with a perfect-score Argentine Tango.
As one of the YouTube comments said: 'This may be the purest form of love I’ve ever seen between two people. It’s like watching magic.' Sob.
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