Rose Ayling-Ellis urges Strictly viewers to learn BSL from Deaf tutors amid surge in interest

Deaf Strictly Come Dancing contestant Rose Ayling-Ellis has called on viewers of the Saturday night programme to learn British Sign Language (BSL) from Deaf tutors, amid reports that Google searches for BSL surged by over 400% after their performance last week.

The EastEnders actress, together with partner Giovanni Pernice, incorporated sign language into their choreographed dance – a Viennese Waltz – to Fallin’ by Alicia Keys. According to analysis carried out by CasinoGrounds.com, searches for ‘sign language’ rose by 488% following the performance.

Meanwhile, searches for ‘learn sign language’ increased by 1,011% from 5pm to 8pm on Saturday, a period which included Strictly‘s 7:15pm start time.

Commenting on the reports, Rose took to Twitter and thanked everyone for their interest in learning sign language – adding that she “cannot believe” the increase in Google searches.

“Please look for a course which is taught by deaf tutors. Just be aware that BSL and Makaton are not the same.

“BSL is the language that deaf people use and Makaton is a communication tool,” she wrote.

The actress then linked to BSLCourses.co.uk, where she said people can sign up to Deaf-led classes.

The call for Strictly viewers to learn from qualified teachers has been echoed by other Deaf performers in recent days, with Casualty star Sophie Stone telling her Twitter followers to “avoid cowboys and unqualified tutors” by accessing courses through Signature – the UK’s largest awarding body for BSL qualifications.

Courses are also available through the awarding organisation, iBSL.

Inspired by #StrictlyComeDancing and seeing #BSL in a positive light and want to learn? Avoid cowboys and unqualified tutors and start here:
👍 https://t.co/kxTjXGIpEq

— sophiestone (@sophieLstone) October 28, 2021

Meanwhile, actor and theatre consultant Adam Bassett tweeted: “448%? Amazing. Make sure that you book the course and teach by deaf tutors.

“British Sign Language. Not Makaton or Baby Sign Language.”

Rose’s comments on Saturday come ahead of another week of the popular BBC dance show, where she’ll be dancing the Tango to Shivers by Ed Sheeran for their Halloween Special.

By Liam O’Dell. Liam is an award-winning Deaf freelance journalist and campaigner from Bedfordshire. He can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.