Former Strictly Come Dancing champion and actress Rose Ayling-Ellis has delivered a heartfelt message to her younger self, telling her that being deaf is “your advantage”. The message, conveyed in sign language as part of the National Deaf Children’s Society’s Deaf Awareness Week campaign, reflects on her journey and encourages other deaf young people to embrace their identity.
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Ayling-Ellis, now 30, recalled her nerves before applying for her first job at a supermarket. She shared how she once feared being deaf might hold her back, but later realised it would give her confidence and present unique opportunities. She advised: “Don’t worry too much… being deaf is actually your advantage. It will give you so many opportunities, just learn how to make the most of those opportunities.”
The BAFTA-winning actress made history in 2021 as the first deaf contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, going on to win the 19th series with partner Giovanni Pernice. She is now supporting Deaf Awareness Week, which runs from 5–11 May, alongside last year’s Strictly finalist and Love Island alumna Tasha Ghouri, who also spoke about her own experiences of adapting to dance performances while wearing a cochlear implant.
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The campaign, titled A Message to Younger Me, aims to highlight deaf pride, community and resilience. Arran Masterman of the National Deaf Children’s Society stated: “We want deaf children and their families to be inspired by these stories. Whether it’s overcoming barriers or embracing sign-language, every story is a celebration of deaf identity.” The initiative seeks to empower deaf youth by showing that their differences are a strength, not a limitation.
