Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice angrily slams Ellie Simmonds’ show exit

Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice, who clinched the Glitterball trophy last year for his performance with the show’s first ever deaf contestant, Rose Ayling-Ellis, was devastated when he saw Ellie Simmonds, who has dwarfism, get the boot in week seven. Giovanni was axed very early on after his and Richie Anderson’s performance in warthog and meerkat costumes from The Lion King seemed more like comedy than a dance contest to many – but he passionately defended Ellie.Taking to Instagram, he directly responded to Ellie’s pro partner Nikita Kuzmin to make it clear how he felt.”Way too early!!” he exclaimed, adding: “You guys were a dream to watch!! Both of you, be proud of what you have achieved.”Watching Ellie’s success was dear to Giovanni’s heart as she won over the nation for weeks while Nikita transformed their routines to work for her – and the Italian pro has his own experience of dancing with someone living with a disability.His 2021 partner, Rose, who says she can sense the music via its vibrations, also chimed in on Instagram to praise and comfort Ellie after her exit.READ NOW: Joan Collins, 89, almost unrecognisable in huge hair transformation Strictly star Giovanni Pernice felt Ellie Simmonds had left the contest “way too early” (Image: BBC/GETTY) Strictly stars Ellie Simmonds and Nikita Kuzmin (Image: BBC) Giovanni Pernice is well known for his 2021 Strictly win with partner Rose Ayling-Ellis (Image: Getty) Strictly stars Giovanni Pernice and Rose Ayling-Ellis on tour (Image: Getty)The emotional star said the other members of the Strictly cast had begun to feel like “family” to her, leading her to feel “so sad” when she saw the “incredible” Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu in the dance-off alongside her.Making history as the first person with dwarfism ever to appear on the show, she lamented: “You don’t want anyone to go home!”She was also full of praise for Nikita’s skills in adapting the dance moves to someone of a smaller height, describing his skills as life-changing.”He’s literally the best. What he’s done with my choreography, you realise everyone can dance.DON’T MISS…Tony Adams bids farewell amid fury over Ellie Simmonds’ Strictly exit [STRICTLY]Jools Holland caught totally naked backstage by guest Courtney Love [INTERVIEW]I’m A Celebrity’s Charlene White breaks down in tears in the jungle [LATEST]”He’s adapted it to me and it shows that choreographers out there can do anything, with dwarfism or any different disability. He has changed people’s lives,” she added.Meanwhile, despite being ousted in week two, Giovanni has already announced his own exciting news about his next project.He’s been signed up for a new TV show – and it gives him the opportunity to introduce Strictly judge Anton du Beke to his home country.The pair will enjoy journeys together on the BBC series, titled Adventures in Sicily – and Giovanni can’t wait.