Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Harry Rutter

Rose Ayling-Ellis sends sweet birthday message to Strictly partner Giovanni amid split

Rose Ayling-Ellis wished her Strictly dance partner Giovanni Pernice a happy birthday – following the split from her long-term boyfriend Sam Arnold.

She shared a previously unseen clip of herself and her Strictly Come Dancing co-star as he celebrated his 32nd birthday today.

“One of my favourite videos of us,” the 27-year-old penned next to the unearthed video which shows Giovanni sporting a black cape.

He swipes it past the camera to reveal Rose wearing a sparkly top hat as the pair look into each other’s eyes before breaking into laughter.

The EastEnders actress paired the video with ‘Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen’ as she wrote “Happy birthday @giovannipernice” on top of the clip – followed by a celebration emoji.

The clip shows the pair stood in front of Hollywood lights (Instagram/ @rose.a.e)
It was previously unseen until it was shared on Giovanni's birthday (Instagram/ @rose.a.e)

It comes after her alleged split from her partner of seven years Sam.

The pair, who are both deaf, have reportedly gone their separate way after Sam grew close to one of Rose's friends.

A friend explained: "It’s very amicable and they’ll remain close friends, but unfortunately, there is no future for them romantically.

"They spent a lot of time apart while Rose was away on tour, which has had an impact.

"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."

It's been claimed Rose's boyfriend has confided in CBeebies host Aimee Campbell-Nottage, according to The Sun.

Speculation was rife about their relationship in recent weeks as her career skyrocketed since her Strictly Come Dancing victory with Giovanni Pernice in 2021.

Rose and Sam have reportedly gone their separate ways (Instagram)

Her career instantly skyrocketed after her incredible stint on the show, where the deaf star raised awareness for her community time and time again during her incredible journey on the show.

Rose and Giovanni's friendship blossomed behind the scenes, which set tongues started wagging about if there was something more between the pair due to their onscreen chemistry.

The actress, who has played Frankie Lewis on EastEnders since 2020, has always kept her romance with Sam low-key and out of the spotlight.

Rose was the first ever deaf contestant on the hit-BBC show and her presence on the series prompted fans to begin learning sign language. Earlier this month, the actress unveiled the first ever Barbie with hearing aids.

The Mirror has contacted Rose’s representatives for a comment.

Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us direct at 0207 29 33033.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.