Strictly's Rose Ayling-Ellis on reuniting with Giovanni Pernice in Anton and Giovanni’s Adventures in Sicily

Virgin Radio

22 Mar 2023, 08:22

Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice are teaming up for their first travel show together, and they’re being joined by some familiar faces along the way, including Strictly Come Dancing winner Rose Ayling-Ellis.

The new show kicked off last night (21st March), and next week’s episode will see the 2021 Strictly winner help the pair to complete their trek to Mount Etna.

Speaking exclusively to virginradio.co.uk at the Visionary Arts Awards 2023 in London last night, Rose talked about appearing on her pals’ new TV project. She told us: “I'm so excited to watch it. It’s a shame I can't watch it tonight because I'm here, but I'll definitely be catching up on iPlayer." 

When we asked what it was like to appear in the new show, the actor told us: “It was very funny. It was just hilarious. Very, very funny.”

On reuniting with her Strictly partner Giovanni in the programme, she added: “I loved to see where he lives. And I mean, it's a holiday! Nice sunshine, hot weather. Yeah! I'm taking a holiday. Why would I say no?!”

The former EastEnders star was one of a number of celebs to present awards at the fourth annual Visionary Arts Awards at London’s Ham Yard Hotel, in London. Also in attendance were the likes of Judi Love, Nicola Thorp, Nikesh Patel, Ms Marvel star Rish Shah, and Strictly’s Johannes Radebe. Regarding the latter, Rose said: “I'm excited to see Johannes again. I haven't seen him for a while. So hopefully I can catch up with him later.”

From diversity and inclusion, to mental health awareness and the climate crisis, the Visionary Arts Awards showcases that positive changes can be made through the likes of film, television, music, literature, podcasts, theatre and social media. Speaking about the awards, Rose told us: “I think it's really important because obviously diversity is a big topic. And it's nice that we can have a recognised award for how hard we're working to make it diverse.”

You can watch the Strictly winner on Anton and Giovanni’s Adventures in Sicily next Tuesday evening (28th March). Anton previously told virginradio.co.uk and other press at a Q+A ahead of the launch: “When Rose turned up, I know the relationship she has with Giovanni, so it was lovely.” Read more from the Q+A here. 

Anton and Giovanni's Adventures in Sicily continues on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Tuesday 28th March.