For their performance on the UK television show Strictly Come Dancing, Deaf TV star Rose Ayling-Ellis and her professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice won the Must-See Moment BAFTA.
During their ballroom dance to Clean Bandit's song "Symphony," the music was turned off for a few seconds as the couple danced in silence.
Rose, an EastEnders actor, became the show's first Deaf contestant. Through her outstanding performance on the show, she powerfully brought society's perceptions of the Deaf community to the forefront.
The BAFTA Presenter Wows Viewers
English singer and tv presenter Rochelle Humes surprised Rose with her BAFTA by introducing the winner in sign language. Rochelle's noteworthy action coincided with the new UK law recognizing British Sign Language (BSL) as an official language in England and Wales.
Rose Ayling-Ellis' Accomplishment had a Significant Impact
Ms. Ayling-Ellis and Mr. Pernice obtained the earliest “perfect score” in the history of the show and was a big win for Deaf performers all over the world.
Rose Ayling-Ellis Uses Strictly Come Dancing as a Platform to Raise Awareness About Deaf Issues
Ms. Ayling-Ellis emphasizes that simply having Deaf people in front of the camera is not enough. More people should work behind the camera as writers, producers, and directors.
“We still need to keep going, and keep the pace. We need people behind the scenes because that’s what makes it authentic and real to what Deaf people’s experiences are like." - Rose Ayling-Ellis
Giving Deaf People a Role Model
She desires to continue demonstrating that the possibilities for Deaf people are unlimited when the obstacles are removed.
“Hopefully, it will give them the realization they can do whatever career they want,” she says. “Nothing is impossible, and I know that a lot of Deaf children grow up in a society that thinks it’s not possible. But no - you can do it.” - Rose Ayling-Ellis
A Means to Promote the Deaf Cause
She became the first celebrity to use sign language to tell a bedtime story on CBeebies in May 2022.
She debuted the first Deaf Barbie doll with behind-the-ear hearing aids in August 2022.
Watch their performance in the video below:
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