The Queen to honor Strictly star with MBE as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours

The Queen to honor Strictly star with MBE during her Birthday Honors list after show-stopping performance from dancing star

Queen to honor Strictly star
(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

The Queen is set to honor a certain Strictly Come Dancing star with an MBE, after they gained popularity with fans during the course of the competition in 2021.


Rose Ayling-Ellis, the Strictly Come Dancing winner of 2021, is expected to receive an MBE from Her Majesty the Queen later this year. The Eastenders actress gained fame and public approval when she appeared on the nineteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing as the show's first-ever deaf contestant.

The actress was paired with the professional dancer Giovanni Pernice and the pair ultimately won the competition together after a series of impressive performances. In addition to their win, Rose and Giovanni received a huge accolade for their most passionate dance as the two performed in silence as a tribute to the deaf community. 

It is thought that Rose's powerful impact on the show's viewers while participating in the show has encouraged Her Majesty to award her with an MBE during her birthday honors awards.

Rose and Giovanni Strictly

(Image credit: BBC)

Sources told The Sun, “Her success on Strictly shone a light on the deaf community in a way that surpassed everyone’s expectations."

"Not only did she raise awareness about the challenges deaf people face, she was a true inspiration for them—particularly young people. She really did break down boundaries."

After appearing on Strictly Come Dancing, the interest in learning sign language and enrolling in sign-language courses spiked in the UK. Giovanni and Rose both addressed this news and said at the time that this was one of their crowning achievements while participating in the competition.

Since leaving the show, Rose Ayling-Ellis has been tipped for a huge job as sources believe that her future with the BBC is set and suggest that she may soon be starring in upcoming BBC dramas that incorporate deaf characters and storylines.

The actress has also remained close with her dance partner Giovanni whose recent tattoo was a sweet tribute to strictly partner Rose. The professional dancer had a glittering disco ball permanently inked on his forearm to celebrate their impressive win of the glitterball trophy.

Laura Harman

Laura is the Entertainment Editor for woman&home who primarily covers television, film, and celebrity news. Laura loves drinking and eating and can often be found trying to get reservations at London's trendiest restaurants. When she's not wining and dining, Laura can also be found travelling, baking, and hiking with her dog.