Strictly Come Dancing star Rose Ayling-Ellis has revealed her initial dislike for the concept of her iconic silent dance with Giovanni Pernice.The EastEnders actress made history as Strictly Come Dancing's first deaf contestant back in 2021 when she went on to win and scoop the iconic Glitterball Trophy.
Despite its success and deep resonance with viewers, Rose admitted that she initially feared it might be perceived as a bid for a "pity" vote.She said: "I hated it.
I watched this prerecorded video by external choreographers and immediately didn't like what they'd come up with. I was up for the idea, as long as it wasn't a patronising stunt."Rose further explained her apprehension in the interview with the Guardian, saying: "An attempt to get the pity vote, all sad, dreary and 'poor me'," indicating that the original concept did not reflect her identity.
Expanding on her viewpoint, Rose added: "It was what hearing people think deaf people experience. Very insular, cut-off, small.
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