Real reason Rose Ayling-Ellis split from long-term partner after Strictly (2024)

Rose Ayling-Ellis won Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 (Image: BBC/Guy Levy)

Rose Ayling-Ellis was in a relationship with Samuel Arnold for seven years. The former couple parted ways in 2022, the year after Rose was crowned winner of Strictly Come Dancing alongside Giovanni Pernice.

Samuel proudly supported Rose, who made history as the show's first deaf contestant, throughout her time in the competition and was pictured in the crowd during the final.

The former EastEnders actress then went on the Strictly tour, meaning she spent increasing amounts of time away from Samuel, who is also deaf. Their split was confirmed in December 2022, with a source telling The Sun that the exes would remain friends.

A friend said: "Rose and Sam’s relationship is definitely over. It’s very amicable and they’ll remain close friends, but unfortunately there is no future for them romantically.

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Rose and Samuel split in 2022 (Image: Instagram)

The insider added: "They spent a lot of time apart while Rose was away on tour, which has had an impact. It’s been difficult for them both, of course, but they’re certain it’s the right move — and Sam’s had a shoulder to cry on in their mutual friend Aimee."

The friend also acknowledged the opportunities Rose was receiving after winning Strictly, saying the actress had been "throwing herself into work" following her split from Samuel.

Rose appeared to form a close bond with Giovanni, 33, during their time on the BBC series. The Italian dancer has been the subject of controversy in recent months after Amanda Abbington claimed he was "cruel" and "abusive" to her during training.

The Sherlock actress, 50, quit the series five weeks in and was diagnosed with mild PTSD. Giovanni has denied all allegations against him. According to The Mail on Sunday, Giovanni is expected to be cleared of any wrongdoing.

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The BBC launched an investigation into Giovanni Pernice (Image: Getty)

"The BBC wanted to exonerate Mr. Pernice because nothing that Amanda said stuck," a source told the publication. "There was absolutely nothing there to get him on – and, from the messages they saw, the picture was quite the opposite. He had been very supportive of her."

The BBC is reportedly in turmoil over what this could mean as clearing Giovanni could imply that they did not believe Amanda's claims.

The source added: "The thought of telling the world that they didn't believe a woman would go against absolutely every bit of their DNA. Imagine having to imply that a woman is a fantasist. That is just so un-BBC. It is a nightmare, an utter mess."