Strictly Come Dancing star Rose Ayling-Ellis has been spotted enjoying a lavish birthday meal with her professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice.
The EastEnders actress, who is in a seven-year relationship with her boyfriend Samuel Arnold, spent three hours sipping red wine with Giovanni at Gola, an Italian restaurant in Fulham.
27-year-old Rose was later spotted carrying a bouquet of roses as she climbed into a waiting car with the 31-year-old dancer.
Rose was all smiles as the pair tucked into a splendid spread of fancy deserts. She donned a back roll-neck jumper and he matched her with a black cap and hoodie.
(Image: SplashNews.com)
Giovanni was seen filming the meal and wishing his dance partner a happy birthday following a gruelling 10-hour day of rehearsals.
Gola is known for its decadence, expensive dishes and upmarket vibe.
Discussing his establishment, owner Aaron Rutigliano told Flux magazine: “When I started out, I wanted to bring the flavours of Puglia, my home, to London.
“As I researched my region’s cuisine, I realised – all of our foods are aphrodisiacs. I thought, ‘That explains a lot’. So then I knew how I would make my restaurant different.”
(Image: PA)
Giovanni recently split up with Love Island star Maura Higgins and those close to him reckon he has turned a new leaf since meeting Rose, who is said to have not been wooed by “his charms”.
Speaking to Heat, a 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.
(Image: ITV)
“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 p**s out of him, which he loves.”
Last Saturday the pair wowed Strictly fans with their ballroom chemistry, performing a stunning routine which saw them dance in silence at one point.
Rose is Strictly’s first ever deaf contestant, and they performed without music to raise awareness.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
