Strictly's Giovanni on impact of silent dance moment

Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice has said the reaction to the silent moment in his routine with Rose Ayling-Ellis on the dancing show has been bigger than they had anticipated.

EastEnders actress Ayling-Ellis, 27, became the first deaf contestant to win Strictly alongside professional dance partner Pernice last year, and their routine – during which they paused the music and danced in silence as a tribute to the deaf community – is among six nominees for Virgin Media’s Must-See Moment Award at the upcoming Bafta TV ceremony.

We need your consent to load this YouTube contentWe use YouTube to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences

The award, which is the only one voted for by the public, celebrates the diversity of British TV.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Pernice said: "The feeling in the room was just outstanding, it was more than just a dance, it was more than just 16 seconds of silence.

"For us, it was more, show what Rose feels every single week and I think since we did that moment, I think people realised how difficult it was for Rose dancing and… so it was very special."

Asked about the impact of their dance, he told Dan Walker and Sally Nugent: "I knew it was going to be an important dance for Rose, for the deaf community, but the reaction has been bigger than what we thought."

Also nominated in the must-see moment category is Adele’s on-screen reunion with the teacher that changed her life during ITV’s An Audience With Adele – which aired in November last year.

The singer was surprised on stage by Ms McDonald, from Chestnut Grove School in Balham, who taught her before she moved to the prestigious Brit School as a teenager.

I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! has also been nominated for the moment presenting duo Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly had a dig at alleged lockdown-busting parties held in Downing Street.

During an episode of the jungle reality show, the pair jokingly referenced alleged breaches of Covid regulations, saying the show’s contestants "categorically deny" any suggestion they had a party in the Welsh castle where the show takes place.

They added: "And this fictional party definitely didn’t involve cheese and wine, or a Secret Santa."

Donnelly then looked directly into the camera and said: "Evening Prime Minister… for now."

Netflix has received a nomination for the gruesome red light, green light game featured in episode one of hit South Korean series Squid Game.

Colin’s devastating Aids diagnosis in Channel 4 drama It’s A Sin and Bimini Bon Boulash’s verse in the Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK performance of UK Hun? on BBC Three complete the list of nominees.

Sara Putt, chair of Bafta’s Television Committee, said: "We are delighted to be revealing the six moments which truly showcase the very best and most talked about programmes of 2021, demonstrating what Bafta is about: excellence and inspiration.

"Television in 2021 highlighted the importance and power of entertainment. From heartwarming moments to raising awareness of hugely important issues, the shows and moments nominated for Virgin Media’s Must-See Moment Award 2022 reflect our TV habits of the last year and perfectly celebrate the relationship between TV viewers and the people who make it.

The winner will be announced at the Virgin Media Bafta TV Awards on 8 May.

Source: Press Association

Strictly's Giovanni on impact of silent dance moment with Rose Ayling-Ellis

More stories on

Read Next