Reason Strictly winner Rose Ayling-Ellis did NOT appear in 20th anniversary special revealed

STRICTLY winner Rose Ayling-Ellis did not appear in last night’s 20th anniversary BBC special — despite her victory with Giovanni Pernice.

Sources said she did not want to talk after bullying allegations against her Italian pro partner.

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The EastEnders actress, 30, made history as the first deaf contestant and went on to win the Glitterball trophy with Giovanni, 34, in 2021.

But while her dances were fondly remembered on Strictly Come Dancing: 20 Fabulous Years, Rose was absent.

Giovanni left the show this year amid a bullying probe over his treatment of celeb partner Amanda Abbington.

A source said: “Rose loved her time on the show, but didn’t want to discuss her time with Giovanni.

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"She’s chosen not to speak about him and Amanda publicly."

Another clip on the show featured Graziano Di Prima, sacked for gross misconduct in July over his treatment of partner Zara McDermott.

Spokeswomen for Strictly and Rose declined to comment.

Former judge Arlene Phillips was also a guest while tributes were paid to late stars including judge Len Goodman, host Bruce Forsyth, Caroline Flack and dancer Robin Windsor.

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