Actress Rose Ayling-Ellis tells younger self being deaf is ‘your advantage'

Irish Independent

05-05-2025

The 30-year-old actress spoke about applying for her first job in the message, conveyed through sign-language.
The former EastEnders star said in the video: 'Don't worry too much. I remember you were nervous for your first job interview to work in a supermarket.
You will have an amazing time, just believe in yourself
Rose Ayling-Ellis
'You were worried and concerned, and you told mum that you didn't know if you would get the job because you are deaf. Forget that, you will get the job.
'When you get the job you will realise your confidence will grow, you will learn that being deaf is actually your advantage.
'It will give you so many opportunities, just learn how to make the most of those opportunities.
'Before you know it, you will have an amazing time, just believe in yourself.'
Ayling-Ellis became the first deaf Strictly competitor in 2021, and won series 19 with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice.
The Bafta-winning actress is supporting Deaf Awareness Week, which runs from May 5 to 11, alongside last year's Strictly finalist Tasha Ghouri, who spoke about her experience on the show.
Former Love Island contestant Ghouri, 26, said: 'You also had struggles with it (a cochlear implant) falling out while you were dancing.
'But you stayed positive and found ways to get through it and to adapt, you managed to find double-sided sticky tape was the way to keep it on.
'Many people send you videos showing them decorating theirs and that's the power of the deaf representation you did on Strictly Come Dancing.
'Your deafness does not define you. It's a part of you that's special and unique. Embrace your differences it's your superpower and that's what makes you truly magical.'
The National Deaf Children's Society's A Message To Younger Me initiative aims to celebrate deaf identity, resilience and community.
Arran Masterman of the National Deaf Children's Society said: 'We want deaf children and their families to be inspired by these stories and messages of empowerment. We're encouraging deaf children to embrace their deaf identity and see their uniqueness as a strength.
'It's also about raising awareness of deaf experiences. Whether it's overcoming barriers, finding confidence or embracing sign-language, every story is a celebration of deaf pride and resilience, for deaf children, young people and the wider deaf community.
'The National Deaf Children's Society wants deaf children and young people to keep believing in themselves, keep aiming high and achieving whatever they want to do.'