Giovanni Pernice, who was praising Rose Ayling Ellis as his “best friend for the rest of my life” on Saturday night’s Strictly Come Dancing final, had to break down in tears. 

John Whaite (31-year old Italian dancer) and Johannes Radebe (27) fought for the glitterball trophy. The Italian winner was eventually crowned 2021.

Before the victory, however, it was an emotional ride to victory. After their first dance, Giovanni gave Rose a tribute.

What a night: Strictly Come Dancing’s final on Saturday night saw Giovanni Pernice fight back tears as he praised his ‘best friend for life’ Rose Ayling-Ellis

They recreated the pair’s dazzling Quickstep while dancing to Love Is An Open Door, from Frozen. 

Giovanni shared how proud he was to make it to the finals with Rose. However, the dancer had to manage his emotions.

He turned to her and said, “It’s been an amazing experience to be able dance with you.” It was a joy to share this experience with you.

It’s my pleasure to be a part of your journey. I am certain that I have made a new friend.

Wow: The Italian dancer, 31, and the EastEnders actress, 27, battled it out against John Whaite and Johannes Radebe for the glitterball trophy, before eventually being crowned the 2021 winners

Wow: The Italian dancer, 31, and the EastEnders actress, 27, battled it out against John Whaite and Johannes Radebe for the glitterball trophy, before eventually being crowned the 2021 winners

Rose, a professional dancer, was also moved to tears after their Couple’s Choice performances. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and how it had helped her grow.

Claudia Winkleman, the host of the show, became as choked up and had to leave. 

The beautiful dance left people in tears. Anton Du Beke was unable to see Rose through his criticism because he was afraid of losing it.     

So proud: And ahead of the triumphant moment, it proved to be an emotional road to victory as Giovanni paid tribute to Rose following their first dance

Dream: Turning to her, he said: ‘I just have to say it’s been a dream to be able to dance with you. This was a wonderful experience sharing the journey with you.

Rose and John were tied for the leadboard in Saturday’s most varied final of Strictly Come Dancing.

For the first time, just two finalists competed after AJ Odudu was forced to pull out of the competition at the final hour due to an ankle injury. 

Rose and Giovanni won the final show, Tess Daly declaring them winners.  

Feelings: The professional dancer also became teary later on following their Couple's Choice performance when Rose expressed how much she's grown in the competition and how much it meant to her

Feelings: The professional dancer also became teary later on following their Couple’s Choice performance when Rose expressed how much she’s grown in the competition and how much it meant to her

Too much: He had to turn away from the beauty, while host Claudia Winkleman also became choked up

Too much: He had to turn away from the beauty, while host Claudia Winkleman also became choked up

All the tears: While the beautiful showdance left everyone in tears, with Anton Du Beke unable to look at Rose during his critique through fear of crying

All the tears: While the beautiful showdance left everyone in tears, with Anton Du Beke unable to look at Rose during his critique through fear of crying

Rose told Giovanni that she was the Strictly 2021 winner and said: ‘I just wanted to say you’re so amazing. Your belief in me helped me believe more in myself than I do in myself. Not only are you an amazing teacher but also a great friend.

“We have been through so much, but I wanted you to know that no matter the outcome, no matter how hectic we become, you still have a part of my heart. I know you do.

Giovanni was also delighted in the success of their BBC series. Rose said that he had to express his gratitude to Rose for making all of my dreams come true. 

“You are the best and best dancer. You were my best friend. Rose, you are truly a fairytale. Thank you so much for everything.

WINNER! In the end, it was Rose and Giovanni who came out on top, with Tess Daly announcing them as the winners at the end of the show

WINNER! Rose and Giovanni won the final show. Tess Daly declared them the winners at end.

Lovely: As her name was unveiled as the winner of Strictly 2021, Rose said to Giovanni: 'I just want to say you are so amazing. You pushed me to believe in myself more than I believe in myself'

Lovely: As her name was unveiled as the winner of Strictly 2021, Rose said to Giovanni: ‘I just want to say you are so amazing. Because of you, I have a greater belief in myself than ever before.