Strictly Come Dancing star Rose Ayling-Ellis was almost left in tears as she opened up on a heartbreaking admission during the first episode of her new documentary
The debut episode of Rose Ayling-Ellis's heartfelt new show, Old Hands, New Tricks, was particularly stirring as she discussed her own battle with loneliness.
In the groundbreaking series, the ex-EastEnders star embarks on a heartwarming journey to teach British Sign Language to the seniors at Hughenden Gardens Retirement Village over six weeks. Her aim is to alleviate isolation associated with hearing loss, enhance their daily lives, and foster stronger bonds within the community.
During one poignant moment in the episode, Rose connected with Karen, a resident from the very start of Hughenden, who shared raw emotions about losing her husband just shy of their golden anniversary. Karen, also a bingo caller in the village, revealed that despite being outwardly social, solitude hits hard when alone.
Offering solace, Rose spoke candidly and with growing emotion: "It's interesting to see you as such a sociable person but what people don't realise is that you come back and you feel lonely on your own."
The actress, herself deaf, expressed empathy and determination: "As a deaf person as well, sometimes I go to work and I have a face on that I look like I know what's going on all the time and make it look easy, but I go home on my own too," reports Edinburgh Live.
Her passion for sign language shone through as a beacon of connection, "I feel really passionate about sign language as I get to communicate to the deaf community and I don't feel lonely."
And with heartfelt fervour, she concluded: "I just don't want anyone to feel lonely. I just don't."
After the emotional scenes aired on the BBC show, viewers quickly flooded to social media platform X to express their admiration for Rose's new series.
An elated fan commented: "So many beautiful, important stories being told on this programme If the elderly are nurtured, look how they can thrive. In Sue's words, they're 'recycled teenagers' and can achieve so much. Thank you to Rose who is a blessing to the deaf community and us all."
One more viewer shared: "What a beautiful program, wasn't expecting that to be as moving as it was. Such an incredible idea, so proud of Rose."
Moreover, another touched viewer expressed: "What a moving programme. Hearing everyone's individual stories has me so emotional."
