Strictly's Rose Ayling-Ellis face of new TV show promoting British Sign Language

Strictly Come Dancing winner Rose Ayling-Ellis is set to front a new TV show promoting British Sign Language.

The actress’s campaign for free BSL for families with deaf children was highlighted in her BBC documentary Signs for Change last year. And now, BBC bosses are keen to follow up on the programme’s success, which has led to it being nominated for a National Television Award.

It is hoped the new one-off show will help boost former EastEnders star Rose’s crusade, which has been backed by this newspaper. A source said: “The programme will be a unique experience for Rose and it will make for really interesting television.

“And, of course, it’s another chance to raise awareness and to stress the importance of access to BSL across the country.”

The documentary is being made by Rogan Productions, which was behind Signs for Change. A source at the company told how the firm was proud to show support for Rose’s BSL campaign once again.

Rose wants to make a difference for the deaf community

She won Strictly Come Dancing

They said: “Rose is so passionate about raising awareness and it is wonderful for us to be a part of programmes like this. It is an opportunity to really do some good.”

Rose, 29, has been deaf since birth. She shot to fame playing EastEnders’ Frankie Lewis in 2020 and became a household name when she won Strictly in 2021. Her appearance on the hit BBC dance show warmed fans’ hearts and sparked a surge in interest in

BSL classes. After one of Rose’s performances on Strictly, the BSL website saw the number of people signing up for its free trial rocket by 2,844%. Rose later admitted she had been blown away by the reaction, which she described as “totally surreal”. She added: “It took a long time to properly hit me.”