Giovanni Pernice says his partnership with Rose Ayling-Ellis on 'Strictly Come Dancing' is "more than just about dancing".
Giovanni Pernice's bond with Rose Ayling-Ellis
The professional dancer and the 'EastEnders' actress have wowed viewers and the judges with their routines on the show and Giovanni is proud of the bond he and Rose, the show's first ever deaf contestant, have forged.
Speaking on 'The One Show', he said: "I think for me and Rose, it’s definitely from the beginning been more than just about dancing.
"I adapt myself a new way of teaching and obviously, Rose has a different way of learning."
Giovanni, 31, and Rose, 27, impressed the judges with their Couples’ Choice routine, which featured a short segment in which they danced in silence, to show how it feels for Rose when she is performing.
Giovanni added: "I think with the dance that we did, we definitely sent out a strong message to everybody in the deaf community and we both already feel like winners.
"Obviously, winning the Glitterball would be nice, like the cherry on a cake. But we are very proud of what we are doing."
Speaking previously about how working with Rose has changed him, he said: "What I’ve learnt from Rose is that you can be positive and happy every day. She comes to the studio, and if it’s a difficult or an easy dance, she’s positive.
"Whatever’s going on with my own life, I go to the studio and spend time with Rose, and I just relax."