Rose Ayling-Ellis’ absence from Strictly special ‘revealed’ after historic Giovanni Pernice partnership
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Strictly Come Dancing fans were left scratching their heads after Rose Ayling-Ellis failed to appear in the show’s 20th anniversary special last night. The former EastEnders actress, 30, made history in 2021 when she became the first-ever deaf contestant to appear on the BBC programme, going on to lift the Glitterball Trophy with Giovanni Pernice, 34.
![[Mandatory Credit: Photo by James Veysey/REX/Shutterstock for BIFA (14977680hr) Rose Ayling-Ellis 27th British Independent Film Awards, Arrivals, Roundhouse, London, UK - 08 Dec 2024]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_233878951-2aaa.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
However, while Rose and Giovanni’s partnership was remembered fondly in Strictly Come Dancing: 20 Fabulous Years, she was notably absent, despite other past contestants and professionals reuniting to reminisce on their own Strictly experiences for the camera.
![[Strictly's Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice defy feud rumours as judges praise 'beautiful chemistry']](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/SEI_173002413-580b.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
It has now been claimed that the real reason for Rose’s absence is because she didn’t want to detract from the joyous anniversary celebrations by discussing her time with Giovanni. Earlier this year, ahead of being axed from Strictly after nearly a decade, Giovanni was at the centre of an internal investigation into serious allegations made by former celebrities who accused him of bullying.
![[WARNING: Embargoed for publication until 21:00:01 on 18/12/2021 - Programme Name: Strictly Come Dancing 2021 - TX: 18/12/2021 - Episode: n/a (No. n/a) - Picture Shows: ++DRESS RUN++ *NOT FOR PUBLICATION UNTIL 21:00HRS, SATURDAY 18TH DECEMBER, 2021* Rose Ayling-Ellis, Giovanni Pernice - (C) BBC - Photographer: Guy Levy]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/PRI_217413741-848c.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
The likes of Amanda Abbington, 50, claimed he was abusive towards her and created a ‘toxic’ environment in the training room. Giovanni denied the claims and was cleared of 10 out of 16 accusations, including the most serious. Speaking after this weekend’s Strictly special, a source told The Sun: ‘Rose loved her time on the show but didn’t want to discuss her time with Giovanni.
![[Mandatory Credit: Photo by Maurizio D'Avanzo/MDPhoto/ipa-agency.net/Shutterstock (15026385y) Bianca Guaccero And Giovanni Pernice, Federica Pellegrini And Pasquale La Rocca 'Dancing With The Stars' TV show Final, Rome, Italy - 21 Dec 2024]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_234000722-8f43-e1734863043414.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
‘She’s chosen not to speak about him and Amanda publicly.’. During the Strictly anniversary special, though, their couple’s choice routine in particular was praised after, in a historic moment, Rose and Giovanni cut the music mid-dance to represent her experiences as a deaf person.
![[BGUK_3113514 - Rome, ITALY - Giovanni Pernice and his partner Bianca Guaccero are crowned winners of Dancing with the Stars at the Rai Auditorium of the Foro Italico in Rome Pictured: Giovanni Pernice, Bianca Guaccero BACKGRID UK 21 DECEMBER 2024 BYLINE MUST READ: IPA / BACKGRID UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com *Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_234010976-29c3.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
