Strictly Come Dancing 2021 – Fans FURIOUS as covid-hit Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden ‘dodge vote off’ after rule change

Rose Ayling-Ellis makes history

The EastEnders actress performed her first routine – a jive to Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off – this Saturday evening alongside pro partner Giovanni Pernice. 

At the end of the high-energy routine, the entire cast and crew were seen on their feet using the sign of ‘applause’ with Tess Daly continuing their breakdown by continuing to speak to them using British Sign Language. 

​​She told Rose: ”Congratulations, you really do make a great team.”  

The actress was also seen teaching Giovanni how to talk to her by teaching him a few words in sign language. 

Fans were emotional by the effort the team had gone to to make sure that Rose feels as included as possible. 

Speaking on Twitter, one fan wrote “The effort everyone is making to sign for Rose on [Strictly] is lovely. She was incredible and I love her partnership with [Giovanni] I do think having the interpreter visible for all of us would show more inclusivity.” 

“Big fan of people other than Giovanni learning some basic sign to talk to Rose, that’s how it should always be,” said another. 

A third added: “So impressed with Rose and so important to see sign language on TVs biggest show!” 

Rose made history as the show’s first deaf contestant Credit: BBC