Strictly fans ‘in tears’ as EastEnders’ Rose Ayling-Ellis makes her debut as show’s first ever deaf contestant
STRICTLY fans were left ‘in tears’ as EastEnders’ Rose Ayling-Ellis made her debut as the show’s first ever deaf contestant.
The 26-year-old looked stunning as she arrived in the Strictly ballroom for the first time and spoke to host Tess Daly.
Rose, who plays Frankie Lewis in the BBC soap, explained to Tess and viewers how her interpreter was with her at the side of the floor and would be with her throughout her Strictly journey.
She said: “I have an interpreter with me so I can understand what’s going on all the time.
“So even if you don’t see them on the camera, they are there, always, I know it’s a bit creepy, watching all the time!”
As the audience laughed, the viewers at home were then shown the VT of the moment she met her professional partner, Giovanni Pernice.
The pair were thrilled to have each other for the new series, and Gio showed he has already been learning some sign language.
Rose said: “I’m very impressed with Gio’s signing skills.”
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She then showed him the sign for “good team” before sharing another big hug.
Some viewers were emotional to see their meeting and sign language being used on a primetime show.
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One wrote on Twitter: “I have absolutely no idea why #Rose just reduces me too tears. She is lovely.”
Another added: “Rose is actually filling me with tears. And Giovanni for learning some BSL.”
A third tweeted: “I’m crying at how beautiful @RoseAylingEllis is. What an inspiration she is and the first ever deaf contestant on @bbcstrictly So inspiring. I can’t wait to see her dance.”
Mark Bolton, the National Deaf Children’s Society’s Deputy Director of Young People, said: “We were so excited to find out that Rose Ayling-Ellis has been partnered with Giovanni Pernice on Strictly Come Dancing. We hope they form a really strong partnership.
ROLE MODEL
“It’s so important that deaf children and young people see fantastic deaf role models like Rose on TV, because it reminds them that they’re not alone. It also inspires them to believe that there’s no reason why they can’t make it to the very top.
“We were also really encouraged to hear that the team on Strictly are taking deaf awareness so seriously, such as employing an interpreter to assist Rose and giving the crew deaf awareness guidance. This will enable her to compete on equal terms with all the other contestants.
“We wish Rose and Giovanni all the very best and hope they go a long way in the competition.”
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday, September 25 on BBC One.
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