The BBC has commissioned Signs for Living with Rose Ayling-Ellis, a two-part documentary which will follow the actor as she attempts to teach sign language to a retirement village.
In the programme, Rose Ayling-Ellis (EastEnders) will be introducing British Sign Language to the residents of Hughenden Gardens Retirement Village. Made with help from experts, the show will feature students as old as 95. They will learn alongside small children, which whom they’ll exchange notes on what scares and inspires them. The pensioners will also experience a Deaf Rave, all the while Rose works to expose the lack of provision for deaf people beyond a certain age.
“I knew filming this show would be a challenge, but what I have experienced teaching the residents sign language has gone beyond my expectations,” said Rose. “It is an experience I will cherish for a lifetime, and I just can’t wait for viewers to see the series.”
Rose’s previous film, Rose Ayling-Ellis: Signs for Change, explored the experience of and attitudes towards deafness in Britain.
Clare Sillery, Head of Commissioning, Documentaries, says: “Rose’s previous film did so much to raise awareness of the reality of life for deaf people in the UK and I’m really pleased that she is back with this important new project. I hope that this new series, which brings warmth and compassion to a major public health issue, will have a similar impact and demonstrate the value of BSL in all our lives.”
The documentary will air on BBC One and be available on BBC iPlayer.
