Strictly Come Dancing Rose Ayling-Ellis lands role in BBC thriller called Reunion

Strictly Come Dancing champion Rose Ayling-Ellis has nabbed a thrilling new role in an upcoming BBC drama called Reunion. The 29-year-old actress will be starring in the "emotional thriller of revenge and redemption", featuring a majority cast and crew who are either deaf themselves or use British Sign Language (BSL).

The plot of Reunion revolves around the life of Daniel Brennan, portrayed by Matthew Gurney, a Deaf individual freshly out of prison facing difficulties to fully reintegrate into the hearing world. According to the programme brief, Daniel faces ostracism from his intimate friends and the larger deaf community due to his severe offences.

Yet, he keenly aims to set things right whilst unravelling the truth of incidents leading to his incarceration. His only confidant remains his daughter, Carly, played by Lara Peake.

Anne-Marie Duff, famed for her role in Bad Sister, takes on the role of Christine, who is committed to uncovering the reason behind Daniel's actions. Christine's boyfriend, Stephen Renworth, is played by Eddie Marsan, while Strictly's winner, Rose, will portray Miri, Christine's daughter.

Other stars appearing in the show consist of Stephen Collins, Ace Mahbaz, Sophie Stone, and Olive Gray. Matthew, the key actor in the serial outwardly expressed his zeal about the up and coming series: "William's scripts are electrifying and it's a privilege to bring Brennan to life in this gripping tale of revenge, redemption and reconciliation.", reports the Mirror.

This news about Rose's latest venture follows her heart-wrenching revelations about her anxiety regarding the world's inaugural gene therapy trial.

Earlier this month, she expressed her deep emotions after news broke of an 18-month-old girl, born deaf, who can now hear following the world's first gene therapy trial. Rose posted a childhood photo of herself on Instagram, accompanied by headlines about gene therapy.

She stated: "Here is a photo of me as a toddler. If I had been born a couple of years later, my life could have been very different. Today, it was reported that a gene therapy trial has taken place. I knew that it was going to happen, but I didn't expect it so soon. My first reaction was feeling terrified and heartbroken. It feels like the end. Let me explain why.

"Imagine a world where everyone is "normal". What will become of our story, our culture, language, and identity? Will we be the last deaf generation and end up in a museum somewhere? " Rose continued. "Deaf people have existed throughout human history. Who decides that their lives are not worth being integrated into society? Who assumes that we want to be "fixed"? Where will they draw the line?"

The EastEnders actress voiced her worry that inclusivity might be "thrown out of the window" and asserted she did not require "relief" from her deafness which has provided her with numerous opportunities, adding: "My life is richer because of it."

She said: "There are many deaf people out there that are doing great things! Why should we tell them that they are broken when, in fact, they are winning?

"To add insult to injury, this was released during Deaf Awareness Week. The week should be about embracing and spreading awareness about our culture. Not something to overcome."