Strictly judge Cynthia Erivo praised for using sign language with Rose Ayling-Ellis

Virgin Radio

22 Nov 2021, 12:32

Strictly fans took to social media to applaud the Tony Award winner when she responded to Rose Ayling-Ellis using sign language following her Frozen inspired routine on Saturday night. 

This came a week after the Eastenders star left viewers and judges teary eyed when she celebrated the deaf community by momentarily dancing in silence. 

On Saturday, Rose and her dance partner, Giovanni Pernice, received glowing reviews from the judges after performing the quickstep to Love is an Open Door from the hit Disney film.

When asked what she thought of the performance, Cynthia responded using sign language, telling Rose she was “joyful”. 

She also said: “That was so much fun to watch, and you managed to get all the characterisation and the mood and the feeling all in one. It was gorgeous, so thank you.”

The Oscar nominee was appearing as a guest judge this week, temporarily taking the place of Craig Revel Horwood after he tested positive for covid. 

Her efforts to communicate in sign language did not go unnoticed by Strictly fans who took to Twitter to show their appreciation.

One user said: “‘Aw Rose’s face when Cynthia signed to her! That was special. Great addition to the judging panel.”

Another wrote: “Lovely seeing Cynthia Erivo making the effort to sign to Rose with her comments.”

Some viewers were so impressed, they started calling for her to become a permanent addition to the judging panel. 

It seems they were equally as impressed with Rose and Giovanni’s routine, as the couple were voted through Sunday’s elimination and into the quarter-finals. 

Despite the praise for Cynthia’s judging style, Craig’s cut throat comments and wit was sorely missed and he will be returning to the panel next week.