Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice has once again shown his support for Rose Ayling-Ellie as she returned to screens with a very personal project. The former EastEnders actress' first documentary aired on BBC One on Monday night (June 26), titled Signs for Change.
It showed Rose, who played Frankie Lewis in the BBC One soap, giving a personal journey into what it's like to grow up deaf and saw her ask whether attitudes are finally changing toward the deaf community. "When I was growing up, I never dreamt I would become the first regular deaf character in EastEnders. Or that I would end up winning Strictly Come Dancing," she said to the camera in the programme.
She proudly told that "being deaf is my proudest identity", however, she also admitted that she has to "multitask every day" as she uses lip-reading, and sign language to understand what is being said to her and in the hearing world around her.
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It also saw Rose make a surprising discovery about herself. The former soap star, who was born deaf to hearing parents, was seen bravely agreeing to take a test in both English and BSL to determine her reading age.
The results shocked her as the Strictly winner discovered that her own reading age is that of a 13-year-old, less than half of her real age, while she rated 28 out of 40 for BSL.
Taking to Instagram before the hour-long documentary aired, Rose wrote: "We have spent a year making this documentary and now it is out in the open for everyone to see. It is surely the most personal project I have worked on. I wanted to be open so it can hopefully change things for the better.
"Reassuring many families that they are not alone in this. Spreading awareness that is so long overdue, rather than repeating ourselves for many years to come."
She added: "Biggest thanks to @roganproductionldn and @bbc for being just as passionate and standing by my side to get this visual to happen. I hope you all will be moved by this as much as I am passionate about it."
The post was then later flooded with comments after her fans and followers tuned into the film. @lizjinks2 said: "You were brilliant Rose - informative, inspirational and what a wonderful way you have of explaining things! Keep doing what you do and being, quite simply, extraordinary."
@nicolasmithies replied: "Just watched this. I laughed I cried it made me angry at times. This young lady deserves the world for going through a tough time but coming out the shining inspiration that she is. We'll done rose. I wish you all rhe best in your blessed life." @sarahsage25 wrote: "Seriously moved by your documentary- you are making the world a better place. Thank you."
@aaronclarkson simply typed: "Fantastic show, eye opening!" @lynz_robertez posted: "Loved being invited to share your world, you are beautiful, you are amazing and be very proud of who you are." @kayhowdill added: "Such a beautiful and moving documentary Rose, it made me laugh and cry you’re an absolute inspiration for the deaf community and humanity."
And Giovanni was among those to show his support. Before the programme aired, he reshared Rose's post to his Instagram Story and said: "Can't wait for this," alongside a face surrounded by hearts emoji. He added: "Tune in."
And rose was clearly overwhelmed with the reaction to the show, which saw the hashtag 'SignsForChange' trending at number one in the UK after airing. "Thank you everyone for your support," she wrote with a face holding back tears emoji.
