'Strictly' audience banned from clapping Rose Ayling-Ellis so she can 'feel the music'

Strictly Come Dancing’s live audience are banned from clapping during Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice’s performance so the deaf star can ‘feel the music’.

Eastenders actress Ayling-Ellis has become a frontrunner on this year’s competition, after becoming the first deaf star to take on the ballroom challenge.

But in order for her to hear the music properly, all contestants and dancers are told to hold their applause until after the dance is over, with the actor relying on her other senses to perform accurately.

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Speaking on Good Morning Britain, head judge Shirley Ballas opened up about the rule, praising Ayling-Ellis for her efforts in the competition so far.

WATCH: Rose Ayling-Ellis dances perfect tango to Ed Sheeran's 'Shivers'

“Nobody’s allowed to clap whilst she’s dancing so she can feel the vibrations of the floor,” Ballas explained.

“So the music’s just a hair louder. She’s got that beautiful feelings of vibrations, so her other senses are really really heightened.”

“I think Giovanni, first of all, has done an absolutely immaculate job,” she continued. “We have a translator just off to our left that’s helping her understand what’s going on and the criticisms and the critiques.”

The efforts are clearly working, with Ayling-Ellis and Pernice earning the first perfect 40 of the season last weekend with a tango to Ed Sheeran track, Shivers.

Pernice was seen breaking down in tears as the scores were handed out, later declaring it the “most rewarding moment of his career”.

Sharing the moment on Instagram, the Italian dancer wrote: “Your are an inspiration.. a super star! I know I can be a lizard sometimes (most of the times) but I am very proud of us!!

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“Not matter what the scores are we both know how much we work in the studio every day to achieve those performances !! Hard work always pays off !!!

“Grateful, honoured and privileged to be your strictly partner!”

This week, they are hoping to keep up their reputation with a samba to Cinema Italiano by Kate Hudson.

Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday at 6.45pm on BBC One.