Strictly Come Dancing winner and former EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis is set to make history with an “incredibly exciting” role.
It’s been announced that the actor is gearing up to co-host the Paralympic Games in Paris with Clare Balding for Channel 4, making her the first deaf person to host a live sports show.
Ayling-Ellis will co-host Afternoon Live alongside Balding from the Athletes’ Village, with live BSL (British Sign Language) interpretation.
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The star described the Paralympics as “a great opportunity to showcase what disabled people are truly capable of”, adding: “It challenges people’s perceptions of what we can achieve. But honestly, we shouldn’t have to constantly prove ourselves to others.”
She continued: “It’s incredibly exciting to be the first deaf person to host a live sports show. People often think that hosting requires the ability to hear, but I’m here to show that’s not the case.”
Ayling-Ellis went on to reveal that she had “extensive training” before taking on the role, which she admitted was more “difficult” than she had initially realised.
“At one point, I panicked and thought, ‘What have I got myself into?’ But I love it. I’m really enjoying the experience and can’t wait to get started.”
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“My career so far has been quite mad, and this is another job for me to challenge myself really,” she continued.
“It is such a big challenge. No-one deaf has ever done this before. I think I’m addicted to being the first of doing something, and that is what I want to do.”
Ayling-Ellis previously made history as the first deaf contestant on Strictly, before becoming the first person to deliver a CBeebies bedtime story in sign language.
Elsewhere, the opening and closing ceremonies will be presented by former wheelchair basketball player Ade Adepitan and Paralympic swimming champion Ellie Simmonds.
Former rugby union player Ed Jackson, racing driver Billy Monger, BBC Radio 1 presenter Vick Hope and comedian Josh Pugh also feature in Channel 4’s hosting line-up.
Freelance Reporter, Digital Spy After completing her joint honours degree in Journalism and English Literature at Cardiff University, Iona joined Digital Spy as a Content Production Intern in 2022. In that role, Iona wrote across both news and features, specialising in TV and movies. Following her internship, Iona now contributes to DS as a freelance reporter.
Iona has reported from the Black Adam red carpet, and interviewed celebrities ranging from Love Island stars to the cast of Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid.