A visibly emotional Giovanni Pernice has spoken how much his Strictly Come Dancing partner means to him.
The Strictly pro, who went on to win the 2021 series with EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, the show's first deaf contestant, had earlier paid tribute to her during a pre-recorded interview.
The pair have been plagued by romance rumours due to their close bond, even though Rose has a boyfriend who was in the audience. During the final, they wowed viewers with a Romeo and Juliet-inspired Showdance.
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Giovanni said: "Rose is the best thing that ever happened in my life. I want to say thank you for everything that you have done for me, to me."
Rose, who was equally choked said: "I will miss dancing every day, I will miss Giovanni a lot. Strictly will definitely stay in my heart forever. "
Following a performance of their Couple's Choice dance, which stunned the nation as the duo danced in silence for a section during the middle of their routine, the pair paid tribute to each other once again, while the dance brought the judges to their feet and saw them in tears as they scored them top marks.
Rose told Giovanni: "I just love spending every moment with you."
Rose and Giovanni were competing against John Whaite and Johannes Radebe, the series first all-male pairing, after AJ Odudu was forced to pull out after a foot injury.
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