ROSE’S GLORY
Now Hollywood beckons
FIRM favourite Rose Ayling-ellis made Strictly history last night as she became the first deaf dancer to lift the glitterball.
The hugely popular 27-year-old Eastenders star and pro partner Giovanni Pernice, 31, cried with delight when they won.
They beat Bake Off’s John Whaite, 32, and his partner Johannes Radebe, 34, the first same sex couple to reach the final in a groundbreaking and inspirational year for the show.
The judges gave both couples 119 out of a possible 120 for their three dances and it was down to the viewers’ choice. And they picked Rose as their 2021 Strictly champion.
Motsi Mabuse was in tears as she told John and Johannes after their showdance: “I am thinking what a great time it is to be part of Strictly, we are changing so many lives with this dance show.”
And Shirley Ballas said: “This partnership is groundbreaking, it is iconic. What a way to end our show, thank you.”
Rose is on course to earn her first £1million and take Hollywood by storm after last night’s win. She will return to her role as Frankie Lewis in Eastenders but movie bosses have been calling, with one top producer already hoping to sign her up.
Co-star Max Bowden, 26, who plays
Ben Mitchell, says he could easily see her moving to Tinseltown.
He said: “We’re all really proud of her, she’s shown what a superstar she really is.”
Power
Max said she has always been a winner on set, adding: “We are constantly laughing. My favourite memory of Rose was a fight scene when she was like a little pit bull.”
Producer Andy Loveday, of Ukbased movie-makers Carnaby International, wants to sign Rose up. He said: “Rose is an extremely talented individual and if she makes
UPSET: Injured ex-favourite AJ the right choices she will definitely be a movie star. I’ve got three films next year and I would love her to be in one of them.”
Another film insider said: “Her pulling power is enormous. She could earn £1million in her first year if she leaves Eastenders and goes into films.”
Gio adapted his teaching techniques to accommodate her deafness but said: “Sometimes I completely forget she’s deaf because the way she dances, it’s like a professional.”
Last night they performed the quickstep, chosen by the judges.
Their couple’s choice featured an astonishing silent section to remind viewers of Rose’s lack of hearing.
Finally they performed an elaborate showdance which Gio said celebrated their beautiful friendship.
Ex-favourite AJ Odudu said she was deeply upset at being forced to pull out with a ruptured ankle ligament.
halina.watts@people.co.uk