HISTORY MAKER
Who is Paralympics 2024 presenter Rose Ayling-Ellis?
Her mother Donna ensured she learned sign language from a very young age
ROSE Ayling-Ellis has captivated audiences as an actress and model, breaking barriers as a deaf performer in the entertainment industry.
In 2024, she made history once again by becoming the first deaf presenter to host live sports coverage on television during the Paralympics in Paris.
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Who is Rose Ayling-Ellis?
Rose Lucinda Ayling-Ellis is widely recognised for breaking barriers as a deaf performer in the entertainment industry.
Born on November 17, 1994, in Hythe, Kent, Rose has been deaf since birth and communicates using British Sign Language (BSL).
She made history as the first deaf presenter to host live sports coverage on television during the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.
Due to her deafness, special behind-the-scenes adjustments are necessary.
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Typically, TV presenters receive instructions from directors or producers through an earpiece, but Rose relies on alternative methods to co-present with Clare Balding.
The actress shared that she needs an additional laptop nearby to receive cues from the production team.
She said at the Channel 4 Paralympics launch in London: "I have so much respect for presenters, it's the hardest job I've ever done.
"I’ve got an autocue, a laptop flashing things at me, and someone signing.
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"So my eyes are going to be [all over the place]. But I'll make it work."
Rose's personal life reflects her deep connection to the deaf community, and she has been a vocal advocate for deaf awareness.
Strictly Come Dancing winner Rose Ayling-Ellis inspires first ever deaf Barbie doll
In recognition of her contributions, she was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2024 for her voluntary services to the deaf community.
Rose collaborated with Mattel to create the first deaf Barbie doll.
What has Rose said about being deaf?
When she was the first-ever deaf contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, Rose remarked: "I hope I will do the deaf community proud and break down more barriers.
"But I am also very excited to learn an incredible new skill and, even better, I get to learn whilst wearing beautiful dresses made especially for me."
Sign language helps me feel 100% deaf and that I belong somewhere.
Rose Ayling-Ellis
During her time on the show she relied on counting and the beat for each of her sensational performances.
In her BBC documentary Rose Ayling-Ellis: Signs For Change she said about her appearance in the show: “The message I wanted to come across is that there’s nothing wrong with being deaf and to show how joyful it is to be deaf."
She shared how grateful she is that her mum Donna made her learn sign language from 18 months old on.
Rose explained: “From 0-3 years old, you need to have a language in your brain. It doesn’t matter what language it is.
"And a lot of deaf children struggle with learning to lip-read, it is a really hard skill.
"Learning sign language is often easier for them.
"It's funny because you wouldn't think it at the time, but that was a really profound moment in my life.
"I never, ever considered acting as a career for me ever until that weekend.
"Mum did not want me to grow up not being confident and I think she was really determined I was confident in who I am - my mum did that."
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When was Rose on Strictly Come Dancing?
Rose was on Strictly in 2021 and was partnered with Giovanni Pernice.
The pair went on to win the show, and scoop the Glitterball trophy.
Rose's win was praised by The National Deaf Children's Society.
Susan Daniels OBE, the society's Chief Executive, said: “Congratulations to Rose and Giovanni on winning the Glitterball Trophy and for giving us such inspirational entertainment during your time on Strictly.
“It’s hard to overstate just what an impact Rose has made, not only on deaf children and young people, but also on the public’s understanding of deafness.
“Throughout her Strictly journey, she’s been a shining example to deaf and hearing people alike.
"This could be a new dawn for deaf children and young people everywhere because it’s clear for all to see that with the right support and the will to succeed, they can aim for the stars.
“Strictly may have come to an end, but we sincerely hope that this surge of interest in deafness and the desire to engage with deaf people continues long into the future.”
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What TV shows has Rose Ayling Ellis been on?
Rose is best known for her role as Frankie Lewis in EastEnders, which she began playing in 2020.
Before that, the actress starred in Summer Of Rockets and on Casualty, where she played Bianca Sinclair.
In addition to her television success, Rose has appeared in stage productions and short films, including Mother Courage and The End.
She became the first celebrity to sign a bedtime story on CBeebies Bedtime Stories, telling the story Can Bears Ski?
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In May 2023, it was announced that Rose will play deaf catering worker Alison Woods in the new ITV thriller Code of Silence.
She was also nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for her performance in As You Like It in 2023.
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