Deafening applause: Charity hails winner as an inspiration to young Scots
STRICTLY THE FINAL Soap star dances off with show’s famous glitterball trophy
A leading deaf charity hailed Strictly star Rose Ayling-ellis as an inspiration as she won the final of the BBC dance spectacular last night.
Along with pro partner Giovanni Pernice, she waltzed off with the famous glitterball trophy after a stunning final routine, a Romeo And Juliet-inspired showdance to The Rose by Bette Midler.
Head judge Shirley Ballas said: “She’s melted my heart, the love you have for dance and for each other will last a lifetime. It will leave a mark on my heart forever. Thank you for doing this competition.”
Fellow judge Anton Du Beke held back tears as he said: “I can’t speak, it’s so beautiful. Forgive me for not looking at you or I will cry.”
Mark Atkinson, chief executive of the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), said the influence of Eastenders star Ayling-ellis on disability representation, especially that of deaf people, could not be overstated.
He said: “Deaf representation on TV is so important, especially on a major show like Strictly. Rose has already achieved so much, and RNID and our charity’s supporters have been thrilled to see her performing.”
Ayling-ellis has used British Sign Language (BSL) during the series and once danced in silence to illuminate the experience of deafness.
Atkinson said: “Rose has shown us two things: firstly, that she’s an outstanding dancer. And secondly, that deaf people can do anything, whether that’s dancing, acting or performing, but society must adapt and make sure it meets their communication needs. Rose has been an inspiration to deaf children and adults, and she’s encouraged the public to become more deaf aware. It’s fantastic to see people inspired to start learning BSL, even knowing a little bit can make a difference.”
Stacey Worboys, a social media executive at RNID, said: “Rose has inspired so many people, and her dancing has improved so much.”
Last night might have been the 18th final of Strictly but it was still a show of many firsts. The first samesex male couple, John Whaite and Johannes Radebe, were the only other contestants in the final after TV presenter AJ Odudu pulled out on Friday after tearing a ligament.
Bake Off star Whaite admitted that he had been riddled with self doubt throughout the series and said he “felt the weight” of what their on-screen partnership signified.
Judge Motsi Mabuse was in tears as she told them: “I am thinking, what a great time it is to be part of Strictly. We are changing so many lives with this dance show.”
Reacting to their win, Giovanni Pernice said: “Incredible. I have to say thank you to this beautiful young lady who made all my dreams come true.
“It took me seven years to get that thing and you became the best dancer, the best teammate I could have asked for. You are a dream so thank you for everything.”
Ayling-ellis told him: “I just want to say you’re so amazing, you
pushed me to believe in myself more than I believed in myself.
“You’re an incredible teacher and a wonderful friend and we have gone through a lot, and I just want you to know you’ve always got a piece of my heart.”