Strictly fans predict EastEnders' ‘inspiring’ star Rose Ayling-Ellis will lift the glitter ball

Strictly Come Dancing's professional dancer Giovanni Pernice reportedly told friends that his girlfriend and former Love Island star Maura Higgins is "the one", and they believe a proposal is imminent. The 31 year old Sicilian star, who is paired up with EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis on the BBC show this year, has reportedly told those close to him his deep feelings for the Irish beauty, 30, and has also been left "love-struck".

Maura Higgins has proved she has nothing to worry about when it comes to the Strictly Come Dancing curse as she shared a romantic note her boyfriend Giovanni Pernice left her.The 30 year old, who recently revealed the nicknames they have for each other, took to her Instagram stories to post a black and white snap of the message.

Maura Higgins "isn't bothered" by doubts over her and Giovanni Pernice's relationship as he's partnered with Rose Ayling-Ellis on the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.The Love Island favourite, 30, hasn't been paying attention to growing doubts from her friends that the Strictly "curse" will have some affect on her blossoming relationship with the Strictly pro, 31.

Rose Ayling-Ellis is one of Strictly Come Dancing's many celebrity contestants, but the actress managed to Jive her way into the nation's hearts following her incredible first performance.The 26 year old EastEnders star has made history on the show, being its first ever deaf contestant, and scored an impressive 22 points from the judges.

EastEnders actor Danny Dyer has rushed to praise his onscreen daughter Rose Ayling-Ellis for her Strictly Come Dancing debut. Rose, 26 performed a Jive to Taylor Swift's Shake It Off with her partner Giovanni Pernice, and the pair scored a total of 22 out of 40 points for the routine.

Strictly Come Dancing has already got us hooked from the first live show. Saturday's extravaganza includedRose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice's sensational jive – what was Shirley thinking whipping out the four paddle? – and John Waite making history as he took to the floor with Johannes Radebe.

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Strictly Come Dancing fans were completely bowled over by Rose Ayling-Ellis’s sensational performance with her professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice during Saturday night’s show. Many people called the pairing “incredible” and “perfect” and others even called the duo their favourites.

Maura Higgins has shared a heartfelt message of support for her boyfriend Giovanni Pernice ahead of tonight’s first dance on Strictly Come Dancing, which sees the Sicilian professional dancer paired up with EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis this year.The 30 year old former Love Island star met and started seeing Giovanni, 31, this year, and the pair have been posting loved-up pictures and images together on their social media since they went official in the summer.

The Glitterball trophy has been dusted down, the dance floor polished, the sequins stitched on and the fake tans applied as the 19th series of Strictly Come Dancing starts properly with the first dances by this year’s hopefuls. And the class of 2021 is a pretty mixed bag, with the likes of Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty, McFly singer Tom Fletcher and Loose Women panellist Judi Love among those putting their best foot forward.

Strictly Come Dancing star Rose Ayling-Ellis has revealed the techniques she is using in the training room alongside pro partner Giovanni Pernice. EastEnders actress Rose, who is the BBC One show’s first deaf contestant, explained that she is relying on counting to the beat instead of being able to hear the music.