Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice has written a loving tribute to dance partner Rose Ayling-Ellis after wrapping up the live tour.

The pair made history last year after winning the TV series, with Rose becoming the first deaf contestant to take the Glitterball Trophy, and have done so again after racking up the most wins on tour.

Sharing a picture of the two together on Instagram, Giovanni reflected on his journey with Rose over the last half year, writing: "SCD champion [tick] SCD live tour champion [tick].

What to read next

"The end of our @bbcstrictly journey but the beginning of an eternal friendship!! I love you @rose.a.e. THANK YOU for the best 6 months of my life!"

In her own tribute, Rose said on her Instagram page: "Six months ago, I didn't have a clue what I signed up for and to be honest I was terrified. Now, I know for sure that it was the best decision I have ever made, what a crazy ride and life changing experience it has been.

"@giovannipernice I am so grateful that you were part of my Strictly journey. Thank you for telling my story and showing everyone who I am. Our friendship is so special and lasting for sure.

"Thank you to everyone who supported us, it has blown me away, you are the reason we got this far and made such an impact not just from dancing. Without you all, it would not have been possible.

rose ayling ellis, giovanni pernice, strictly come dancing 2021 winners
BBC

"Now I am home, in my safe space with some calmness after the whirlwind that was strictly. I feel myself heading off to new adventures and I can't wait to see what happens next. But I will never forget everything that Strictly has given me. Thank you, thank you, thank you."

The tributes come a few weeks after Giovanni unveiled a new tattoo marking his win with Rose in 2021, showing a glitterball with the date of their win marked.

Speaking after their victory in December, the EastEnders star said to Giovanni: "I just want to say you are so amazing. You pushed me to believe in myself more than I believe in myself. You are an incredible teacher, but not just that... you are a wonderful friend. We've gone through a lot, and I just want you to know no matter what happens, no matter how busy we get, I want you to know you've always got a piece of my heart. You really do."

Giovanni added: "I have to say thank you to this beautiful young lady that made all my dreams come true. You became the best, best dancer, the best teammate I could ask for. You are a dream, Rose, you really are a dream. So, thank you for everything."

Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One.

Jojo: Finally Home by Johannes Radebe
Jojo: Finally Home by Johannes Radebe
Credit: Hodder & Stoughton
Finding My Own Rhythm: My Story by Motsi Mabuse
Finding My Own Rhythm: My Story by Motsi Mabuse
Credit: Ebury Spotlight
Murder on the Dance Floor by Shirley Ballas
Murder on the Dance Floor by Shirley Ballas
Credit: HQ
Strictly Come Dancing - Motsi & Anton's Strictly The Best [DVD] [2021]
Strictly Come Dancing - Motsi & Anton's Strictly The Best [DVD] [2021]
Strictly Come Dancing: Shirley and Craig's Perfect 10 [DVD]
Strictly Come Dancing: Shirley and Craig's Perfect 10 [DVD]
Strictly Come Dancing: The Board Game
Strictly Come Dancing: The Board Game
Credit: BBC/John Adams
Strictly Ola: My Story by Ola Jordan
Strictly Ola: My Story by Ola Jordan
Credit: SJH Group
Better Late Than Never: From Barrow Boy to Ballroom by Len Goodman
Better Late Than Never: From Barrow Boy to Ballroom by Len Goodman
Credit: Ebury Press