STRICTLY Come Dancing pro Giovanni Pernice has gushed over former show partner Rose Ayling-Ellis amid her new career announcement.
The Italian, 32, who was evicted from this year’s Strictly Come Dancing after being paired with Richie Anderson, has stayed close with the ex EastEnders star, 27.
Former Strictly Come Dancing winner Rose Ayling-Ellis has the support of ex show partner Giovanni Pernice for her latest project
Gio hailed the actress a ‘legend’ after she revealed she will be taking to the stage
SE recently exclusively revealed how Gio had welcomed Rose to his native Sicily this summer, and added to suggestions they could be more than friends.
Gio has now revealed their close bond further as he branded the actress a “legend” after she announced her new gig.
He added an Emoji icon with heart-shaped eyes to cement his point.
Rose had told how she would soon be appearing on stage in London.
Explaining she would be part of a production of As You Like It, Rose gushed: “So excited to finally share this news!
“I am thrilled to be going back to theatre with this talented group of people. Scary thought to be performing Shakespeare for the very first time playing Celia.
“I’m feeling privileged to be able to do this in this incredible new space. Can’t wait to get creative 
@sohoplace.”
Fans were quick to note Giovanni’s support, with one writing to him: “Booking opening night tickets? 
”
Another put: “That she is…as are you 
”
A third hen wrote: “Yes she is and she’ll smash it .”
This summer, EastEnders actress Rose posed with Giovanni at his sister’ Angela’s dance studio in Sicily.
The pair wrapped their arms around each other and smiled.
Angela was with them in the picture along with Strictly’s Anton du Beke and got to chat to Rose.
Giovanni was filming a new BBC1 travel show with 56-year-old Anton when Rose turned up.
SE on Sunday recently revealed that she had split from her boyfriend of seven years, Sam Arnold.
And Giovanni has been single since splitting from Love Island’s Maura Higgins, 31, last October.
The dancer revealed last week that he was learning British Sign Language as part of a Cadbury fingers campaign.
And he wrote online: “If more of us learnt a little sign language, we could help more people feel included.”
Deaf Rose replied: “Love this very much”, and added to the message with a smiley face emoji with hearts.
The pair won last year’s Strictly. A source said: “Rose helped Giovanni see the world through new eyes and he’s dedicated to learning sign language for her.”
Rose, 27, will be taking part in a production of As You Like It
The duo sparked rumours they were more than just friends after their stint on the dance show
Rose is best known for playing Frankie Lewis in EastEnders
