Rose Ayling-Ellis

“I feel like now that I've finished 'EastEnders,' I want to do more TV programmes and explore more about deaf people's experiences. It's not just about deaf story, but it's also a storyline that just happened to be deaf.”

“At primary school, nursery school, going way back, where my education was difficult, so my mum had to fight to make it accessible for me.”

“It's not enough to make me a pioneer on my own without allowing other deaf people to have a platform, and not only in front of a camera or audience, but behind the scenes too.”

“My appearance on 'Strictly' should have encouraged people to seek out other deaf talent, yet how many deaf characters have we seen on TV since?”

“There were a lot of deaf people trying to get into the industry, who had broken down certain barriers and doors - allowing me to actually get onto 'Strictly.' But when I was growing up they weren't visible because they weren't mainstream.”

“The biggest challenge growing up was probably around education. I had to fight a lot to get the support that I needed in the classroom. I missed out on a lot because of that. It was frustrating.”

“How is a young deaf actor supposed to get their foot in the door, when the door is firmly shut on them from the start?”

“I love that being deaf gives you a different perception of life. It makes you more empathetic.”

“I am delighted to become a Patron of Deafinitely Youth Theatre, a fantastic charity that is so special to me, and supporting the work they do is important to me.”