Rose Ayling-Ellis visits pro dance partner Giovanni Pernice’s family in Italy

Strictly winner Rose Ayling-Ellis has jetted off to meet her former pro dance partner Giovanni Pernice’s family in Italy after reportedly splitting from her long-term boyfriend Sam Arnold.

The EastEnders actress, 27,  had been with her partner Sam for seven years, with him cheering her on as she lifted the glitterball trophy with partner Giovanni last year.

She beamed beside Giovani and his sister Angela at her dance studio in Sicily, as well as being joined by Strictly’s Anton Du Beke. 

Giovanni was reportedly filming a new BBC1 travel show with Anton, 56, when Rose turned up to surprise the pair. 

It comes after Rose reportedly split from her long-term boyfriend Sam Arnold.  According to The Sun, the couple have called it quits, with Sam leaning on Rose’s pal and CBeebies host Aimee Campbell-Nottage for support.

A friend told the publication: ‘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.

Split: The EastEnders actress, 27, had been with her partner Sam for seven years, with him cheering her on as she lifted the glitterball trophy with partner Giovanni last year

Happy: She beamed beside Giovani and his sister Angela at her dance studio in Sicily, as well as being joined by Strictly’s Anton Du Beke

They continued: ‘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 source added that Rose has been throwing herself into her work as she has been inundated with offers after Strictly. 

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Rose for comment. 

It comes after it was recently reported that Rose’s friends have expressed doubt over the couple’s future due to their busy work schedules and have said they are worried that the infamous Strictly curse may strike again. 

Sad: Strictly winner Rose has reportedly split from her long-term boyfriend Sam Arnold (pictured together)

Rose – who has kept her relationship fairly private over the years – holidayed in Barcelona by herself earlier this year. 

A source told the publication: ‘Rose and Sam drifted apart, especially after she became so busy with work projects and was in-demand with new work opportunities.

‘They still have a lot of love and respect for each other, but they’re also still young and working out their lives.

Dancing queen: Rose made history as the first deaf contestant on Strictly Come Dancing last year (pictured with partner Giovanni after they won)

‘Rose went to Barcelona on her own to gather her thoughts and think about what she wanted. They have both grown as people since they first starting dating.

‘This is Rose’s moment and she is grabbing life by the horns, focusing on her career and taking any opportunity that she can.’

The Strictly curse sees couples who appear on the show break up with their partners as a result of appearing on the programme.

Travel: In 2019, the pair went on holiday to Peru where Rose shared a snap of the relaxing in the Huacachina desert together