August 20th 2024.
This year's Paralympic Games have gained an extra dose of excitement with the inclusion of former EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis. The 29-year-old Strictly Come Dancing winner will co-host Afternoon Live with the renowned broadcaster Clare Balding. The duo will be stationed inside the Athletes' Village, showcasing live British Sign Language (BSL) signing for viewers to enjoy.
It's not just the afternoon show that has people buzzing, as the opening and closing ceremonies will be presented by the talented broadcaster Ade Adepitan and five-time Paralympic swimming champion and Bafta-winner Ellie Simmonds. Alongside them will be Balding, making for an incredible hosting lineup.
Expressing her thoughts on this groundbreaking opportunity, Ayling-Ellis shared, "It's a fantastic chance for us disabled individuals to demonstrate our capabilities and shatter any preconceived notions. Honestly, we shouldn't have to prove ourselves, but it's a great way to break down barriers and show the world what we can achieve."
Being the first deaf person to host a live sports TV show is a monumental achievement for Ayling-Ellis. She shares, "I'm beyond thrilled to be given this opportunity. It's a chance to break down misconceptions and showcase that hosting is not just about hearing. I'm here to prove that deaf individuals can excel in this role too."
The actress made headlines when she was cast as the first deaf character in EastEnders, inspiring and representing fans with disabilities. In 2021, she made history by winning Strictly Come Dancing with her partner Giovanni Pernice. Their mesmerizing silent dance performance earned them a Bafta for the "Must-See Moment of the Year" and eventually led them to victory on the show.
However, Ayling-Ellis admits she was initially hesitant about the idea. "When I first saw the pre-recorded video by external choreographers, I didn't like it at all," she revealed in an interview with The Guardian. "I was open to the concept, as long as it wasn't just a pity vote or a cheap stunt. I didn't want it to be a sad, dreary portrayal of deaf individuals, as that's not who I am."
She continued, "The routine was what hearing people assume deaf individuals experience - isolated, confined, and small. It was heartbreaking, and it's not a representation of my reality." Fortunately, the performance turned out to be a powerful statement, and Ayling-Ellis' talent and determination shone through.
Since her incredible win on Strictly, Ayling-Ellis has left EastEnders, where she played the role of Frankie Lewis. She has also starred in a West End revival of As You Like It, and her next project is fronting her own documentary called Signs For Change. Her journey continues to inspire and empower others, and she is a true trailblazer in the world of entertainment.
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