Today is International Men’s Day and so we wanted to take a moment and have a little Giovanni Pernice appreciation post.
Giovanni Pernice has captured the hearts of the nation showing empathy and compassion in his drive to understand what life is like for partner, Rose Ayling-Ellis, who is profoundly deaf.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house after their recent Strictly Come Dancing performance. The couple chose to complete part of the routine in silence to raise awareness of the deaf community.
The dancer told It Takes Two. “We had this idea. First, I asked whether Rose would agree to do something like this through the dance. Obviously, I couldn’t just go ahead and do it because it’s very important – it’s me working in Rose’s world. She said it was a fantastic idea. I’m very proud and privileged that you gave me a chance to come into your world, and me, to be able to share it in a positive story.”
Rose said after their performance. “I feel very, very thankful for your determination to make this dance the most positive, happy dance it can be because you know that being deaf, there’s nothing wrong, it’s such a joy to be deaf and I think that says a lot about you as a person.”
Giovanni later posted on Instagram. “A moment that will remain forever in my heart. You really are a ROLE MODEL! @rose.a.e”.
Rose has been happily coupled up with her current partner, Samuel Arnold, for seven years, but it appears that the special relationship between Rose and Giovanni has changed the Italian dancer. A source told Heat magazine. “Giovanni has really changed since meeting Rose, and for the better.”
A representative for Giovanni told The Mirror newspaper. “Gio has been publicly so supportive of Rose, and what she’s taught him, and the entire British public about representation and the deaf community. “Gio has always been a wonderful person and dancer, and is of course immensely enjoying this series with Rose.”
Strictly fan? Check out the books that Anton Du Beke credits for changing his life here.
