See Strictly’s first deaf contestant at this weekend’s launch show

Strictly Come Dancing returns this weekend to the BBC and this year’s show will feature deaf actress, Rose Ayling-Ellis.

Rose, who appears in EastEnders, playing Frankie Lewis, the daughter of Danny Dyer’s character, has told the BBC how she hopes this will be the perfect opportunity to educate others about deaf people and how they experience music.

Speaking to reporters, she said: “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.”

Strictly Come Dancing’s Executive Producer also spoke to BBC News, saying that the crew bringing the show to life have been doing deaf awareness training and have been learning sign language. She said: “Already the team and I have learned a lot from Rose. She’s an amazing person, she is also very honest about what she needs and what we need to adapt, to it’s been an ongoing conversation.”

Rose told the BBC: “It’s a common misconception that deaf people can’t enjoy music. I have a hearing aid, so I pick up some of the music and I can hear the beat. I can hear someone singing, but I can’t identify exact words. I also feel the vibrations.

“I will be focusing on reading my partner’s body language plus counting in my head, which will help me with timing. So, for me it’s a combination of everything.

“However, not all deaf people are the same, every deaf person will have their own unique experience with music. I do love music and I can’t wait to be taught how to dance at a professional level for Strictly.”

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One on Saturday 18^th September with the launch show where viewers will see this year’s contestants being paired up with professional dancers. Tune in to see who Rose will be dancing with.