Rose Ayling-Ellis says 'ride the wave' in first interview since Striclty scandal

Strictly Come Dancing winner Rose Ayling-Ellis has spoken out for the first time since her professional partner Giovanni Pernice was accused of being "cruel" and "abusive"

Strictly Come Dancing winner Rose Ayling-Ellis has given her first interview since the Giovanni Pernice scandal, sharing her "most important life lesson".

The 29-year-old lifted the Glitterball trophy with professional dancer Giovanni in 2021 and is now poised to co-host Channel 4's Paralympics coverage alongside Clare Balding.

Her former dance partner, meanwhile, has been embroiled in a scandal after Amanda Abbington labelled the 33-year-old "cruel" and "abusive" after she left the show.

The professional dancer vehemently denies the allegations from his 2023 partner and the BBC investigation continues.

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Rose was asked about her most important life lesson before saying: "You have to ride the wave, and never wait for it to be calm, because it never is."

During the interview, Rose also revealed that she considers "selfishness" the worst characteristic in a person and confessed her greatest fear is "loneliness".

Giovanni, who formed a close bond with Rose during their stint on Strictly, has pledged to clear his name amid the storm. In a statement, he said: "To my dear fans, you will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week. Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.

"Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive. No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me. I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win - for me and my dance partners. Thank you all once again for your continued love and support! Giovanni."

BBC Director General Tim Davie expressed regret at contestants having negative experiences on the show, saying:: "I'm very sorry that anyone has had an experience on Strictly that hasn't been wholly positive."

To enhance participant welfare, the BBC has introduced new safeguarding measures this year, including hiring chaperones for rehearsals and providing professionals with more extensive training in managing their celebrity counterparts, according to The Times.

In other news, EastEnders star Rose is set to join forces with Paralympic swimming legend and BAFTA-winner Ellie Simmonds, as well as seasoned presenter Ade Adepitan, a former wheelchair basketball athlete, on Channel 4.

A source revealed to the Mirror the excitement at Channel 4 about the groundbreaking collaboration between Clare and Rose, saying: "Channel 4 are really excited about this unique pairing of Clare and Rose. It's a first for the Channel and takes its live broadcasting accessibility further than ever before."

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