A truly emotional finale.
Last night’s Strictly Come Dancing finale saw Rose Ayling-Ellis and her partner Giovanni Pernice lift the glitter-ball trophy, as they were crowned this season’s champions.
As well as winning the show, the EastEnders actress made history as the first ever deaf contestant to compete on Strictly.
The pair come out on top against their competitors, the Great British Bake Off’s John Whaite and Johannes Radebe, who also made history as Strictly’s first all-male pairing.
The couple secured their win by performing a quickstep, their couple’s choice dance and a show-dance.
After being named the show’s winners, Rose told her partner: “I just want to say you’re so amazing, you pushed me to believe in myself more than I believed in myself.”
What a moment! Your #Strictly 2021 champions are Rose and Giovanni 🎉@RoseAylingEllis @pernicegiovann1 pic.twitter.com/EO1fAyNd1Q
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) December 18, 2021
She added: “You’re an incredible teacher and a wonderful friend, and we have gone through a lot, and I just want you to know you’ve always got a piece of my heart.”
Giovanni then expressed his thanks to “this beautiful young lady” who made all his dreams come true.
He said: “It took me seven years to get that thing, and you became the the best dancer, the best teammate I could have asked for, you are a dream, so thank you for everything.”
Meanwhile, fans took to Twitter to congratulate both Rose and Giovanni and John and Johannes on an incredible finale.
This Showdance really is Rose in full bloom. A beautiful end to Rose and Giovanni's #Strictly journey 🌹@RoseAylingEllis @pernicegiovann1 pic.twitter.com/nM7oc4NU0Z
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) December 18, 2021
One viewer tweeted: “Having two openly gay men and an extraordinary young deaf woman making it to the final of Strictly is so symbolic, inspiring and important for so many people. John and Rose are both winners.”
Another said: “The moment it fell silent during Rose’s Couple’s Choice. Could not have been more moved.”
A third wrote: “Absolutely over the moon for Rose and Giovanni – every week I’ve watched them in awe thinking about how differently she’s been working with the odds stacked to break the ground for the deaf community on this show to such a high standard. She’s an absolute inspiration!”
