Strictly stars Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice are sending the romance rumours into overdrive as they get closer and closer.
However, the Strictly Come Dancing favourites went out with Rose’s boyfriend of seven years for her birthday meal the other night.
So where have the Strictly romance rumours come from – and just how has Rose’s boyfriend reacted?
Romance rumours for Strictly stars Rose and Giovanni?
Rose and Giovanni have captured Strictly viewers’ hearts over the past nine weeks of the competition. And, if rumours are to be believed, Rose has won over Giovanni’s heart too.
The Italian dancer recently broke up with former Love Island star Maura Higgins to fully concentrate on this season of Strictly.
And, according to one source who spoke to Heat Magazine, he is a changed man after meeting EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis.
Read more: Strictly star Rose Ayling-Ellis can’t train when it rains, explains Claudia Winkleman
The source said: “Giovanni has really changed since meeting Rose, and for the better. He’s seen the obstacles Rose has had to face in life and he’s just in awe of her.”
The source continued: “She’s one of the first women who he’s met who’s not taken in by his charms, and she isn’t afraid to challenge him or take the [bleep] out of him, which he loves.”
How has Rose’s boyfriend reacted to the couple’s closeness?
Despite their seven-year-long relationship, Rose’s boyfriend, Samuel Arnold, is reportedly concerned about hers and Giovanni’s closeness.
A source spoke to New Magazine, claiming: “Pals worry it’s hard for her boyfriend. He’s delighted for her, of course – she’s the star of the show.
“But there are concerns he is raising an eyebrow at their closeness. Rose and Giovanni have got a special kind of magic nobody could imagine. It’s very rare.”
The source went on to add: “Rose is very focused and wants to win [Strictly], but she and Giovanni are getting closer and closer.”
What did the Strictly couple get up to the other night?
The romance rumours were out in force the other night when Rose looked glum with her boyfriend after he met her outside the studio.
Following an intense rehearsal with Giovanni, Rose and her boyfriend went to an Italian restaurant in Fulham. They were there to celebrate Rose’s 27th birthday.
Giovanni joined them for the meal. Earlier in the day, Giovanni had pulled out all the stops for Rose’s birthday. The dancer brought his co-star a cake and some flowers.
Rose, who is Strictly’s first-ever deaf contestant, has wowed fans with her performances on the show this year.
In week eight, Rose and Giovanni danced in silence for 10 seconds. They picked up a massive 39 points for the routine.
Read more: Strictly stars Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice address ‘mistake’ on Saturday’s show
At the end of the performance, Giovanni said “I love you” to Rose, sending Strictly fans into a frenzy.
ED! has contacted reps for Rose and Giovanni for a comment on this story,
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday November 27 at 6.55 pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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