Deaf News: BBC1’s Eastenders to introduce first deaf character to Albert Square

The BBC1 soap Eastenders is to introduce its first deaf character to Albert Square.

The character, called Frankie, will be played by deaf actor Rose Ayling-Ellis, who has previously appeared in dramas such as Summer of Rockets, Casualty, The End and Reverberations.

Frankie’s arrival in the square comes in the wake of the character Ben Mitchell (who has always been partially deaf) losing more of his hearing following an accident. She will be on screen in the next few weeks.

The storyline was pitched by deaf scriptwriter (and this site’s editor) Charlie Swinbourne, with the programme also receiving advice from the National Deaf Children’s Society.

Charlie said: “‘Creating a storyline and a character for EastEnders has been a lifelong dream of mine, so it’s been an incredible experience to work with the EastEnders team over the last few months. I wanted to explore how losing more of his hearing affects Ben, as well as how it makes him see the world – and his deaf identity – a bit differently as time goes on.”

The programme’s Executive Producer Jon Sen said: “It has been a long time ambition of EastEnders to reflect the experience of the deaf community and Ben’s new story was the perfect opportunity to do that. We are thrilled to be working with Rose who will play the part of Frankie.’

The Sun says:

EASTENDERS’ first mainstream deaf character is joining the cast to help Ben Mitchell come to terms with losing his hearing.

Rose Ayling-Ellis will make her debut as Frankie as Albert Square residents reel from the tragic boat crash, which claimed the life of young Dennis Watts.

During last Friday’s episode partially deaf Ben, played by Max Bowden, was seen looking disorientated after being pulled out of the Thames.

Viewers will soon discover a head injury sustained in the crash triggered his additional loss of hearing.

Frankie is put in touch with Ben through boyfriend Callum Highway, played by Tony Clay.

A soap insider said: “Ben’s life is going to be turned upside down but, thanks to Frankie, he gets some unexpected help.

“The storyline will highlight some of the challenges deaf people go through.”

Frankie will communicate with Ben using sign language — a first for the soap.

Bosses have worked closely with the National Deaf Children’s Society to ensure the storyline is portrayed as accurately as possible.

The idea was pitched by soap writer Charlie Swinbourne.

He says: “Being deaf myself I’ve always looked out for Ben Mitchell’s character because he was the one who wore hearing aids.

“I wanted to explore how losing more of his hearing affects Ben, as well as how it makes him see the world — and his deaf identity.”

Read the full story here: https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/11025807/eastenders-ben-mitchell-deaf-character-hearing-loss/