EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis became the first deaf contestant to win BBC One’s long-running dance series Strictly Come Dancing over the weekend (December 18th, 2021) and this morning (December 22nd, 2021) spoke to BBC Breakfast about making history, alongside professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice.
“It’s important to inspire the hearing people to think about what they’re doing and change their perception [of the deaf community]” she explained, “so when a deaf person comes for a job interview they don't have to panic or freak out.
“They can be like, 'Oh, it's just deaf, that's all'. And making it accessible like how Strictly did. So I'm very excited and I'm looking forward to seeing what will happen next and how it will carry on, hopefully.”
Pernice, who enjoyed his first win after seven years on the show and, who has been sleeping with his Glitterball Trophy ever since, added: “I think it has been a fantastic journey from the beginning. I think we put out there big statements and every time, I say to Rose the same thing.
“Obviously it's nice to win the show but we've managed to put out a statement, very important for Rose and the deaf community. Every week we go out there and smash our dance and just prove that everything is possible.”
The training Ayling-Ellis went through to become such a stunning performer on the dance floor is something she credits not only to her own hard work, but the advice given by her partner.
“I think I improved every single week because he [Pernice] really pushed me to make sure my feet were in the right place, my posture, stand up straight; little details like that improved each week.”
The pair went up against Strictly’s first ever male same-sex partnership in celebrity baker John Whaite and professional dancer Johannes Radebe before coming out on top, in what was a stunning and close-fought battle.
Television presenter AJ Odudu was also scheduled to compete in the final with Kai Widdrington, but unfortunately had to pull out of the competition after sustaining an injury to her right ankle.
RELATED: Rose Ayling-Ellis says winning Strictly Come Dancing was like an out of body experience
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