Strictly Come Dancing contestant Rose Ayling-Ellis opened up on The One Show about the overwhelming support she’s received from the British public after appearing as the first deaf contestant on the BBC series.
Appearing alongside professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice, the 26-year-old was asked by host Jermaine Jenas about her intentions to break down barriers between the public and the deaf community.
Rose gushed: “I did want to break down barriers but I didn’t realise how big this got.
“So many people have signed up to learn sign language, people have become more interest in it and people become more aware like celebrities posting captions on social media.
“It’s definitely gotten much bigger than I thought it would and I’m so proud of that”
Partner Giovanni also commented on the pair’s emotion silent dance routine that captured the hearts of the British public on last week’s episode.
He said: “There has been so much support for us after the silent dance. It means a lot. For just 10 seconds I realised what Rose goes through every single day when we rehearse and dance.”
The dancer also opened up about the different training methods the pair have been using to transform Rose into a ballroom superstar.
He said: “For me and Rose it’s more than just about dancing. We have found a new way of teaching and Rose has different way of learning with dance.”
Fans write into The One Show to encourage the pair and praise them on their dancing so far.
Viewer Tina hawking said: “Why over a week later do I sob over Rose and Gio in the silent symphony.
Another said: “Amazing we love you guys you are the highlight of our Saturday.”
Giovanni also revealed he is learning sign language to help them better communicate.
“I’m picking up sign language so quickly. I’m Italian so we use our hands a lot anyway!”
Jermaine was joined by co-host Lauren Laverne as welcomed Sir David Suchet as he looksed back on his 50-year career.
Rose was the first deaf actor to join the BBC soap in May 2020, playing Frankie Lewis – the daughter of Danny Dyer’s Mick Carter.
Upon the news of her casting in this year’s series of Strictly, some fans wondered if she would be at a disadvantage due to the dancers’ need to follow the live band and dance in time to the beat.
However, in a recent interview, Ayling-Ellis said that she hopes to challenge assumptions about deaf people and music.
“A lot of people think that deaf people can’t hear the music, enjoy the music, and enjoy dancing, so I thought it would be a good platform for me to break that stereotype,” she said.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
