Strictly Star Rose Ayling-Ellis Is The Show’s First Deaf Contestant
The actress hopes to challenge misconceptions towards deaf people.
Known for her role as Frankie Lewis in EastEnders, Ayling-Ellis has been cast as the first hearing-impaired contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, which launches this Saturday (18th September).
There has been some skepticism towards how the soap star is going to respond to the music, but the 26-year-old has been quick to rebuff any stereotypes about deaf people.
The actress has spoken to the BBC, saying “It is a common misconception that deaf people can’t enjoy music”. The EastEnders star has said that she will be able to use her professional partner for guidance when it comes to staying on the beat and maintaining a rhythm.
“I have a hearing aid, so I pick up some of the music. I also feel the vibrations” Ayling-Ellis tells the program. She’s also pointed out that, “not all deaf people are the same, every deaf person will have their own unique experience with music” before exclaiming that she “can’t wait to be taught how to dance at a professional level for Strictly!”.
The vibrations that Ayling-Ellis talks about will be felt from the live band led by Dave Arch.
“I will be focusing on reading my partner’s body language plus counting in my head, which will help me with timing” she says. “So, for me, it’s a combination of everything”.
Of course, the entire team at the BBC will be catering for Ayling-Ellis’ needs when it comes to the logistics of her participating in the show. Sarah James, the executive producer of Strictly has said that “all the team are doing deaf awareness training, which has been brilliant”.
Ayling-Ellis being cast in the show comes just weeks after screenwriter, Jack Thorne, told the Edinburgh TV Festival that the industry needs to do more to support disabled people.
Indeed, there is no doubt that Ayling-Ellis’ involvement in the show will debunk any pre-conceived ideas when it comes to the deaf community. The actress hopes to “break the stereotype of what deaf people can and can’t do” and promote inclusivity within the industry.
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