Strictly Come Dancing fans were wowed over the weekend thanks to Rose Ayling-Ellis and her partner Giovanni Pernice. Rose - an actress in EastEnders - but, halfway through, the music stopped so they could dance in silence, in one of the most powerful TV moments on Strictly.
Their performance not only left fans at home in starstruck - but it convinced the judges to change their perfect 10s to 11s. 'This is a number that will be etched in my heart for a long time. It was absolutely beautiful,' head judge Shirley Ballas said. 'I'm sure the deaf community will be absolutely so proud of you.'
At the end of the dance, Giovanni was also caught telling Rose 'I love you' which further melted viewers' hearts. Rose also paid tribute to the dancer, saying, 'I feel very thankful for your determination to make this dance the most positive, happy dance, it can be, because you know that being deaf, there's nothing wrong, it's such a joy to be deaf, and I think that says a lot about you as a person.'
They were also shown a clip from Hamilton Lodge School and College, a school for deaf children, who signed that 'you show that deaf and hearing people can work together to achieve anything. And like you, we want more people to learn how to sign.'
Rose's involvement in the show has also encouraged some people to learn British Sign Language. 'Oh golly Rose,' one person tweeted. 'That’s it. I’m picking the BSL up again.' Another added, 'So, if you've been inspired by Rose on #Strictly, take it to the next level. Do whatever you can to ensure that deaf people are fully included. Learn BSL. Provide those reasonable adjustments. Faciliate lipreading. Show kindness & patience. Be the difference that brings joy.'
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