Deaf Actress Rose Ayling-Ellis on Frustrations and Challenges in the Industry

Former EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis has spoken about the frustrations she experiences as a deaf performer in the television industry. As she prepares to star in ITV's new drama Code of Silence, Ayling-Ellis highlights the challenges faced by disabled individuals in the workplace and the importance of representation on screen. In Code of Silence, Ayling-Ellis portrays Alison Brooks, a deaf civilian who becomes embroiled in a high-stakes police investigation, utilising her exceptional lip-reading skills to gather crucial information.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rose Ayling-Ellis has spoken about the frustrations faced by deaf individuals in the industry, including assumptions about what they can and can't do.
  • Ayling-Ellis emphasized the importance of representation on screen, saying, "It's not on me to show that on TV, because it's the industry that needs to cast more diverse deaf people."
  • The actress has played a significant role in promoting deaf awareness and representation on television, including her time on Strictly Come Dancing and EastEnders.
  • Ayling-Ellis spoke about the complexities of communication, saying, "A lot of people assume that communication is just listening and speaking, but there's so much depth to communication."
  • The actress highlighted the challenges faced by disabled individuals in the workplace, saying, "Sometimes you work for a company to make the company look good. But they're not really encouraging you to promote yourself, and that's a lot of disabled people's frustration."
  • Code of Silence starts on Sunday, May 18, at 9pm on ITV and ITVX.

Statistics:

  • 30-year-old Rose Ayling-Ellis is set to star in ITV's new drama Code of Silence.
  • The series will premiere on Sunday, May 18, at 9pm on ITV and ITVX.
  • Code of Silence features exceptional lip-reading skills, utilising Ayling-Ellis's real-life abilities.
  • Rose Ayling-Ellis has spoken about her frustrations with the industry, saying she wants to see more representation and greater opportunities for deaf individuals.

Sources:

  • Edinburgh Live
  • Wales Online
  • Edinburgh Live (May 15, 2023)
  • Wales Online (May 15, 2023)
  • BANG Showbiz.
  • ITV
  • ITVX