Former EastEnders actress and Strictly Come Dancing champion Rose Ayling-Ellis has opened up about her personal dating struggles, revealing plans to create a comedy television show based on her experiences as a deaf person navigating the London dating scene. The 31-year-old star, who rose to fame on the BBC soap opera before winning Strictly in 2021, shared candid details about the challenges she faces in relationships, particularly in noisy environments like pubs where lip-reading becomes difficult.
From Strictly Success to Personal Challenges
Rose Ayling-Ellis made history as the first deaf contestant on Strictly Come Dancing when she partnered with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice in 2021. The duo not only won the Glitterball Trophy but also received a BAFTA award for their innovative silent dance routine, which featured the music cutting out mid-performance to Clean Bandit's Symphony. Despite her professional achievements, including subsequent roles in ITV's Code of Silence, Rose has faced significant obstacles in her personal dating life.
Turning Dating Struggles into Comedy Material
In an interview with The I Paper, Rose explained how she has attempted to approach dating with an open mind, using various dating apps to meet potential partners. However, she highlighted the practical difficulties that arise in typical dating venues. "I've tried to be open-minded and go on lots of dates from the apps but it's hard because if we go somewhere noisy like a pub I can't hear and it makes lip-reading more difficult," she revealed.
Rather than becoming discouraged, Rose has found humor in these challenging situations. She admitted that when dates go wrong, "it's great" because she gains material for her writing. This positive perspective has inspired her to develop a comedy show that explores the unique experiences of dating while deaf, aiming to find laughter in what others might perceive as obstacles.
No Rush to Settle Down
Rose emphasized that she feels no pressure to enter a serious relationship quickly. "I've got my own flat, I've got a great career, I can do whatever I want. No compromise. No gross men!" she declared confidently. This independent mindset follows her seven-year relationship with Samuel Arnold, which ended in 2022 reportedly due to strains caused by her participation in the Strictly Come Dancing Live! tour.
A friend close to the couple told The Sun at the time: "They spent a lot of time apart while Rose was away on tour, which has had an impact. It's been difficult for them both, of course, but they're certain it's the right move."
Changing Perceptions Through Humor
Rose hopes her comedy project will encourage audiences to find humor in disability-related experiences without fear or discomfort. She observed during a recent appearance on Taskmaster that "people weren't sure at first if they should be laughing or not" when she deliberately played Twinkle Twinkle Little Star poorly as part of a challenge. The contestants had been tasked with doing the most inspirational thing they could for twenty minutes, and Rose decided to joke about how "terrible" her performance would be.
She noted that once she gave people "permission" to laugh, they found the routine "really, really funny." This experience reinforced her belief that comedy can break down barriers and change attitudes toward disability. "People are scared of laughing at disabled people," she added, suggesting that her show aims to normalize finding humor in everyday situations involving disability.
Advocating for Accessibility
Beyond her comedy ambitions, Rose pointed out practical accessibility issues that affect her daily life, such as being able to visit cinemas only when subtitles are available. She questioned why society couldn't "make it a bit easier" for deaf individuals, highlighting the broader need for improved accommodations and understanding. Through both her personal revelations and professional projects, Rose Ayling-Ellis continues to use her platform to advocate for greater awareness while finding creative ways to share her unique perspective with the world.
