Rose Ayling-Ellis is a winner in so many ways. It remains to be seen whether the deaf “EastEnders” actress will walk off with Giovanni Pernice as the outright winner of this year’s “Strictly Come Dancing,” but according to viewers, she has an excellent chance.
“Strictly Come Dancing”
The series “Strictly Come Dancing,” known to its legion of fans as “Strictly,” has been broadcast on BBC1 in the UK since May 15, 2004. The show’s format is a simple one. It partners celebrities with professional dancers who train them and choreograph their routines before taking to the ballroom floor to compete. The U.S. version is “Dancing With the Stars.”
The show’s history has always been about two things: dance and music. You could say it’s a sight and sound extravaganza. That is, until Rose Ayling-Ellis took to the floor. Ayling-Ellis, 31 and known for her high-profile role in BBC1 soap “EastEnders,” in which she plays deaf character Frankie Lewis. The soap role was aimed at raising the profile of deafness in society and in the media. Ayling-Ellis wears hearing aids. She is also a British Sign Language (BSL) user, as is her character in the show.
Read more: Second deaf contestant on Strictly Come Dancing
A Unique Waltz
To many people, the announcement of Ayling-Ellis joining the celebrities of “Strictly” seemed doomed to failure. Until the viewers and judges saw the magic unleashed. Over the past eight weeks, we have not only seen the couple go from strength to strength, but also watched a genuine transformation live on the screen.
Each routine the couple has danced has been not only creative but also expertly executed. Take the week they performed the classical standard, the Viennese Waltz, to Fallin’ by Alicia Keys. Viewers expected a smooth glide as the two gracefully moved around the floor. What they got was a routine that began with an argument expressed in BSL. This was truly a thing of beauty for the deaf and community. It also proved Pernice’s willingness to go the extra mile for his partner.
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