‘She looked absolutely fuming!’: Strictly’s Motsi Mabuse accused of ‘sour-faced’ reaction to Rose Ayling-Ellis’ historic win – as 12 million viewers tune in for show’s most diverse finale ever
- EastEnders actress Rose , 27 made history as Strictly’s first ever deaf contestant and lifted the glitterball
- GBBO’s John Whaite, 32, who formed a male same-sex partnership with Johannes Radebe, came runner up
- Just two finalists competed after AJ Odudu, 33, pulled out of the competition due to an ankle injury Both tied on the leaderboard, scoring 119 out of 120 points
- The judges were in tears as they praised both finalists for the ‘groundbreaking’ roles they played in the series
- After receiving backlash for her reaction, Motsi tweeted it was a ‘shame’ that her reaction had been interpreted negatively as she hit out at viewers for ‘finding hate’ in the final
- Ahead of the final, Rose was at 1-20 odds on favourite to win with 95% chance of lifting the trophy, while John, was the 8-1 outsider
- A peak audience of 12.2 million viewers tuned in to watch the finale with an average audience of 11.1 million
Motsi Mabuse has been accused of ‘looking absolutely fuming’ as Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice were crowned the Strictly Come Dancing winners during Saturday’s live final.
A peak audience of 12.2 million tuned in to watch the deaf actress be awarded the Glitterball Trophy – down one million from last year’s final, which aired when the country was in lockdown.
The TV judge, 40, had earlier given the EastEnders star, 27, a perfect score of 10, adding that she was ‘capable of doing anything’ in her glowing feedback.
However as the result was announced, Motsi appeared to look ‘sour-faced’ according to some viewers, after John Whaite and Johannes Radebe narrowly missed out.
Awkward! Motsi Mabuse has been accused of ‘looking absolutely’ fuming as Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice were crowned the Strictly Come Dancing winners on Saturday
Motsi had earlier told Rose: ‘This is a person who’s shown us we are capable of doing anything we set our mind to and that was your space too. I feel like an improved person because you were on this show.’
But fans rushed to Twitter following the episode to share their disappointment at Motsi’s reaction.
One wrote: ‘Motsi wasn’t happy with the result, was she?! #Strictly.’ Others added: ‘Motsi looked absolutely fuming with the result there! #Strictly2021 #Strictly’; ‘#Strictly congratulations to Rose and Giovanni. Motsi’s face as the result was announced priceless, not a happy bunny.’
‘Motsi could barely hide her disappointment at the result. #Strictly’; ”Was it me looking too much into it or did Motsi look absolutely gutted John and Johannes didn’t win [three laughing emojis] #StrictlyComeDancing’; ‘Motsi being unprofessional and sour faced at Rose winning. Clearly wanted John. #Strictly.’
Taking to Twitter after the show, Motsi hit back at critics as she shared a tweet that read: ‘@MOTSI_MABUSE Did not look happy with Results, Thank God Judges did not get the Voted, Best Couple Ever on @bbcstrictly love you @RoseAylingEllis @pernicegiovann1 Pure Class you both are’.
In response, the judge penned: ‘Even after such an emotional and Fantastic final people still will find a way for hate ! Imagine sitting at the living room and interpreting this?? It’s a shame! Thank you for all the Love and support I received they override this comment by the thousands.’
MailOnline has contacted Motsi’s representatives for further comment.
Deserving: Motsi had earlier told Rose: ‘This is a person who’s shown us we are capable of doing anything we set our mind to and that was your space too’
For the first time, just two finalists went head-to-head on Saturday night after AJ Odudu was forced to pull out of the competition a day prior.
The heartbroken presenter, who was unable to stand after suffering a torn ligament damage earlier this week, was left in crutches.
The nail-biting end to the 2021 series was down to the viewers’ vote after both Rose and John tied on the leaderboard.
The finale made history, with Rose being the first deaf contestant to appear on the show, while John formed the first ever male sex partnership with Johannes Radebe.
Eek! However as the result was announced, Motsi appeared to look ‘sour faced’ according to some viewers, since John Whaite and Johannes Radebe had narrowly missed out
Gracious runner-up: Viewers watched as Rose managed to pip John to the post after they both drew on the leaderboard with the same near-perfect scores
Angry: Fans rushed to Twitter following the episode to share their disappointment at Motsi’s reaction
Hitting back: Motsi revealed it was a ‘shame’ that her reaction had been interpreted negatively as she hit out at viewers for ‘finding hate’ in the final
As her name was announced as the winner of Strictly 2021, Rose said to Giovanni: ‘I just want to say you are so amazing.
‘You pushed me to believe in myself more than I believe in myself. You are an incredible teacher, but not just that you are a wonderful friend.
‘We’ve gone through a lot, and I just want you to know no matter what happens, no matter how busy we get, I want to you to know you’ve always got a piece of my heart. You really do.’
Congratulations: The TV judge, 40, (second from left) had earlier given the EastEnders star, 27, a perfect score of 10, adding that she was ‘capable of doing anything’ in her glowing feedback
A teary-eyed Giovanni also revelled in their success on the BBC show as he scored his first win since he joined Strictly seven years ago.
He said to Rose, who is best known for playing Frankie Lewis in EastEnders: ‘I have to say thank you to this beautiful young lady that made all my dreams come true.
‘It took me seven years to get that thing.
‘You became the best, best dancer, the best teammate I could ask for. You are a dream, Rose, you really are a dream. So, thank you for everything.’
Rose’s boyfriend Samuel Arnold watched proudly from the audience.
In tears: For the first time, just two finalists competed after AJ Odudu was forced to pull out of the competition on Friday, due to an ankle injury which left the presenter in crutches
Strictly leaderboard
Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice
Judge’s Choice: Quickstep- 39
Favourite Dance: Couple’s Choice- 40
Show Dance: The Rose – 40
Total: 119
John Whaite and Johannes Radebe
Judge’s Choice: Rumba: 39
Favourite Dance: Paso Doble- 40
Show Dance: You’ve Got The Love – 40
Total: 119
Giovanni said to Rose, who is best known for playing Frankie Lewis in EastEnders: ‘I have to say thank you to this beautiful young lady that made all my dreams come true. It took me seven years to get that thing.
‘You became the best, best dancer, the best teammate I could ask for. You are a dream, Rose, you really are a dream. So, thank you for everything.’
The pair impressed the judges from the start as they kicked off the show, hoping to improve their score of 37 previously as they danced the Quickstep to Love Is An Open Door from Frozen from Musical week.
Commenting on their performance, head judge Shirley Ballas, 61, said: ‘It was Strictly magic. That was a phenomenal Quickstep.
‘You have managed to pull everything, you just went out there and you smashed it. Congratulations.’
Anton Du Beke added: ‘I’m not sure who is more nervous you or Giovanni. It was just beautiful, charming, wonderful.’
Craig Revel Horwood scored nine, while Motsi Mabuse, Shirley and Anton all gave 10 points, giving them a near-perfect score of 39.
Next up was John’s Judge’s Choice which was the Rumba to Shape of My Heart by Sting. Shirley told the pair: ‘It’s rather emotional for me. It was a story of narrative and hope.
‘The best compliment I can give you John is that I hope I can dance the Rumba with you one day.’
Heartbreaking: Opening the show, host Tess made reference to AJ’s premature exit. She said: ‘Sadly AJ and Kai are not dancing tonight. AJ sustained an ankle injury earlier in the week and despite treatment and rest she is not able to dance’
Bringing the glamour: Tess, 52, pulled out all the fashion stops in a satin Alexandre Vauthier gown as she gushed over ‘such a monumental series ‘, while Claudia (R) wowed in a silver sequin dress
Connection: EastEnders ‘actress Rose, who is best known for playing Frankie Lewis, impressed the judges from the start as she opened with her Judges Choice’ dance with Giovanni, while John and Johannes waited in the wings
Smashed it: The pair improved their previous score of 37 as they danced the Quickstep to Love Is An Open Door from Frozen from Musical week
Is it crazy that we finish each other’s sentences? The EastEnders’ actress got into character as Princess Anna, while Giovanni transformed into Prince Hans of the Southern Isles
High praise indeed: Commenting on their performance, head judge Shirley Ballas said: ‘It was Strictly magic. That was a phenomenal Quickstep’
Congratulations: Craig Revel Horwood scored nine, while Motsi Mabuse, Shirley and Anton all gave 10 points, giving them a near-perfect score of 39 points
Motsi added: ‘I just loved it. To dance the Rumba in the final- that’s a first. But for me, this was appreciation of time, touch and breath and that is what you want.’
And it was neck-and-neck on the leaderboard as John managed to also score 39 points, with just Craig holding back from giving him that perfect 10.
For round two, Anton was moved to tears as Rose performed the Couple’s Choice to Symphony by Clean Bandit featuring Zara Larsson.
Connection: Next up was John’s Judge’s Choice which was the Rumba to Shape of My Heart by Sting. Shirley told the pair: ‘It’s rather emotional for me. It was a story of narrative and hope’
The race is on: And it was neck-and-neck on the leaderboard as John managed to also score 39 points, with just Craig holding back from giving him that perfect 10
The moving dance featured a silent moment as the actress paid homage to the deaf community.
Reflecting on her performance, Rose said: ‘This dance means a lot to me. I did feel like this is the dance that says everything about my Strictly journey.
‘I knew this dance would make an impact but actually it changed people’s perception. That’s what we’ve been asking for, for years.’ They were awarded the full 40 points.
Beautiful: For round two, Anton was moved to tears as Rose performed the Couple’s Choice to Symphony by Clean Bandit featuring Zara Larsson
Important: The moving dance featured a silent moment as the actress paid homage to the deaf community. Rose said: ‘This dance means a lot to me. I did feel like this is the dance says everything about my Strictly journey’
Recognition: Rose tearfully added: ‘I knew this dance would make an impact but actually it changed people’s perception. That’s what we’ve been asking for, for years’
Perfect score: The pair couldn’t believe it as they were awarded a perfect score
There he is: Rose’s boyfriend Samuel Arnrold made his debut on the show on Saturday – just in time to see his girlfriend win the competition
And there was everything to play for as it went to the final round after John and Johannes were also awarded 40 for their Couple’s Choice routine.
The pair improved on their 39 points from Musicals week as they did the Paso Doble to He’s a Pirate by Klaus Badelt, from Pirates of the Caribbean , and got a perfect score.
Winning Craig over, he joked: ‘You’re little finger did bother me’. Before he added: ‘It was brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.’
Competition heating up: And there was everything to play as it went in to the final round after John and Johannes were also awarded a perfect score for their couple’s choice
Impressive: Winning Craig over, he joked: ‘You’re little finger did bother me’, before he added: ‘It was brilliant. Absolutely brilliant’
Well done! The pair improved on their 39 points from Musicals week as they did the Paso Doble to He’s a Pirate by Klaus Badelt, from Pirates of the Caribbean, getting a full score
For their final dance, Rose and Giovanni pulled out all the stops with a ‘serene’ performance to The Rose by Bette Midle.
Shirley commented: ‘It was serene, beautiful and it will leave a mark on my heart forever. Thank you for taking part in this competition.
Anton added: ‘I love watching dance. Forgive me for not looking at you but I’ll cry. I feel as we all do that we’re blessed that we’ve been able to share this experience of watching you two dance on Strictly Come Dancing.’
From a seed to a blossoming Rose: For their final dance, Rose and Giovanni pulled out all the stops with a ‘serene’ performance to The Rose by Bette Midle
Thought-provoking: For their final dance, John and Johannes chose You’ve Got The Love to symbolise their same-sex partnership
Keep dancing: Scoring 40 points, the pair left the judges in tears for the ‘groundbreaking’ role they have played in the competition
Rose and Giovanni couldn’t believe it when they were awarded with another 40 points, bringing their total to 119.
For their final dance, John and Johannes chose You’ve Got The Love to symbolise their same-sex partnership.
Scoring 40 points, the pair left the judges in tears for the ‘groundbreaking’ role they have played in the competition.
This meant both finalists tied on the leaderboard and it was down to the viewers to decide who would be crowned winner of Strictly 2021.
Hurt: Elsewhere in the show, AJ was in tears as she watched the other two take part in the finale from the sidelines
Elsewhere in the show, AJ was in tears as she watched the other two take part in the finale from the sidelines.
Sitting alongside professional partner Kai Widdrington, 26, the presenter, who suffered ligament damage to her foot during rehearsals this week, emotionally reflected on her experience to Strictly host Claudia Winkleman.
‘Honestly, Claudia, I don’t know how to describe what it feels like to have a broken heart. But that’s what it feels like,’ she began before breaking down.
The TV star continued: ‘But, we have had the best time on this show and you know, I have been putting on a brave face, Kai has been putting on a brave face.
‘We’ve loved the show tonight. Rose and John and Johannes and Giovanni are incredible – but we wanted to be on the dancefloor with them.
Staying positive: A choked up Claudia also praised a stoic Kai, who made his Strictly debut this year
‘We’ve been swallowing tears throughout the night but I’m just so happy. I’m genuinely happy and grateful to be here – to have done all those incredible dances, to have learned so much, to have met all these beautiful people – [I] had the best outfits ever!’
AJ and Kai have been at the heart of romance rumours during the course of the show and she used the time to pay a heartfelt tribute to him – and their ‘unbreakable bond.’
‘I literally would not have been here without Kai. Learning to dance has truly been the biggest joy and every single week we have said “dance like it’s your last.”
‘And I’m so glad we did that from week one because we didn’t know that our last dance was our last dance. We didn’t know. But I am glad that our last dance(s), plural, I’m glad that they were brilliant and everyone enjoyed them as much as we did.’
Experience: AJ and Kai have been at the heart of romance rumours during the course of the show and the TV star used the time to pay a heartfelt tribute to him
The show also featured a group performance and a song from Ed Sheeran with Janette Manrara returning to dance alongside husband Aljaž Škorjanec.
And it appeared to be water under the bridge for Nina Wadia during Saturday night’s final as she returned for the group dance with her fellow celebrities.
The former EastEnders actress, 52, was all smiles in a tasselled dress as she rocked the dancefloor to Relight My Fire with professional partner Neil Jones, 39.
Strictly Come Dancing FINAL: It appeared to be water under the bridge for Nina Wadia during Saturday night’s final as she returned for the group dance with her fellow celebrities
Reunited: The actress, who played Zainab Masood in EastEnders for six years, was the first star to be voted off the show in week two – later claiming the judges had been too harsh towards her with their scores
The actress, who played Zainab Masood in EastEnders for six years, was the first star to be voted off the show in week two – later claiming the judges had been too harsh towards her with their scores.
Ahead of the final, Rose was at 1-20 odds on favourite to win Strictly Come Dancing with 95% chance of lifting the glitterball trophy, while John, was the 8-1 outsider.
Other predictions suggest EastEnders star Rose and dance partner Giovanni could finish their three routines with 119 points out of 120, compared to chef John and dance partner Johanne predicted 117 points.
Romantic: The show featured a performance from Ed Sheeran and Janette Manrara returned after quitting to host It Takes Two to dance alongside husband Aljaž Škorjanec
Leading bookmaker Coral has given Rose Ayling-Ellis an 89% chance of winning Strictly Come Dancing, and named her the shortest priced Strictly favourite ever.
Coral’s John Hill said: ‘It’s very unfortunate that AJ has had to withdraw at this stage. Rose is now the shortest priced favourite we have ever had in a Strictly final.
‘Rose has been the favourite to lift the Glitterball Trophy from very early into this series. Our odds suggests she has a 89% chance of winning the final this weekend.
‘It will be an early Christmas present for many punters as Rose has been well backed to prevail ever since she stepped foot on the dance floor in week one.’
Sad news: AJ had no choice but to pull out of the grand final after suffering ligament damage to her foot during rehearsals this week (pictured on Friday)
It’s all over: AJ has been forced to give up her dream of taking home the glitterball trophy and released a statement expressing her upset
Devastated: AJ wished her fellow contestants good luck in the final and described the experience as a ‘lifelong dream’
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