Soap star Rose Ayling-Ellis has made history as the first deaf winner of Strictly Come Dancing.
The actress triumphed in the BBC One show alongside partner Giovanni Pernice, defeating Great British Bake Off star John Whaite and his partner Johannes Radebe, the first all-male pairing in the show’s history.
Disability equality charity Scope has described Ayling-Ellis’s participation in the show as a “massive step forward” for disability representation.
The reaction of all reactions. HUGE congratulations Rose and Giovanni! #Strictly@RoseAylingEllis @pernicegiovann1 pic.twitter.com/OrRszOBYWi
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) December 18, 2021
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Reacting to their win, Ayling-Ellis told Pernice: “I just want to say you’re so amazing, you pushed me to believe in myself more than I believed in myself.
“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.”
Pernice expressed his joy saying: “Incredible. I have to say thank you to this beautiful young lady who made all my dreams come true.
“It took me seven years to get that thing, and you became the best dancer, the best teammate I could have asked for, you are a dream, so thank you for everything.”
What a moment! Your #Strictly 2021 champions are Rose and Giovanni 🎉@RoseAylingEllis @pernicegiovann1 pic.twitter.com/EO1fAyNd1Q
Advertisement— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) December 18, 2021
During the live final, which went ahead without contestant AJ Odudu – who pulled out on Friday due to an ankle injury, both couples performed three dances.
Ayling-Ellis, who is the show’s first ever deaf contestant, and Pernice dazzled by performing a quickstep, their couple’s choice routine and a showdance.
After performing the Romeo and Juliet-inspired showdance to The Rose by Bette Middler, Ayling-Ellis said: “I’ve become more me than I’ve ever been because of Strictly.”
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
Both pairs had matching scores during the final, with both duos receiving a perfect 40 for their favourite dances and their showdances.
After their couple’s choice dance, Craig Revel Horwood told Ayling-Ellis her performance was “stunning, absolutely stunning”.
Motsi Mabuse added: “Your ability to connect to yourself and to Giovanni and to connect us all together is sensational. I’m so proud to have you in this final.”
Shirley Ballas continued: “I know in your heart you did it for the deaf community but for me you did this for every person watching this show. You are an inspirational young lady.”
