Rose Ayling-Ellis: Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Change
Rose Ayling-Ellis is a British actress and activist who has captivated audiences and become a powerful advocate for the deaf community. Best known for her role as Frankie Lewis in the BBC soap opera EastEnders and her groundbreaking victory on Strictly Come Dancing, Rose has used her platform to raise awareness about deaf culture, British Sign Language (BSL), and the challenges faced by deaf individuals.
Born deaf, Rose grew up immersed in the deaf community and learned BSL as her first language. She pursued her passion for acting, overcoming significant barriers in an industry often inaccessible to deaf performers. Her role in EastEnders was a landmark moment, marking one of the first times a deaf actress had a prominent, ongoing role in a mainstream British soap opera. Frankie Lewis quickly became a beloved character, and Rose’s portrayal brought much-needed representation to television screens.
However, it was her participation in the 2021 series of Strictly Come Dancing that truly catapulted Rose to national and international fame. Partnered with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, Rose not only excelled in the competition but also used the show to educate viewers about deaf awareness. She showcased the beauty and expressiveness of BSL through her routines, and she and Giovanni incorporated moments of silence into their performances, giving the audience a glimpse into her experience of dancing without sound.
These moments of silence were particularly impactful, allowing hearing viewers to understand the reliance on feeling vibrations, trusting her partner, and memorizing steps. Rose’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion shone through every week, and her undeniable talent and infectious enthusiasm captivated the judges and the public alike. She ultimately won the competition, becoming the first deaf contestant to lift the coveted glitterball trophy.
Since her Strictly victory, Rose has continued to be a vocal advocate for the deaf community. She has campaigned for BSL to be recognized as an official language, a goal that was finally achieved in 2022. She has also worked with various organizations to improve accessibility for deaf individuals in the arts and entertainment industries. Rose’s influence extends beyond the deaf community as well; she is admired for her resilience, her dedication to her craft, and her ability to inspire positive change.
Rose Ayling-Ellis is more than just an actress and a dancer; she is a role model, a trailblazer, and a powerful voice for a community that has often been marginalized. Her achievements have paved the way for other deaf performers and have helped to break down stereotypes and misconceptions about deafness. She continues to use her platform to promote inclusivity and equality, making the world a more accessible and understanding place for everyone.