extensive restoration in 30 years. The original wooden dancefloor, which has been quickstepped over by

Soap star Rose Ayling-Ellis has made history as the first deaf winner of Strictly Come Dancing. The actress triumphed in the BBC One show alongside partner Giovanni Pernice defeating Great British Bake Off star John Whaite and his partner Johannes Radebe the first all-male pairing in the show’s history. Disability equality charity Scope has described Ayling-Ellis’s participation in the show as a “ massive step forward ” for disability representation. Reacting to their win, Ayling-Ellis told Pern

I’m so proud and so happy for this opportunity to dance.... You have made my Christmas so special.” Writing on Twitter after the episode aired, she added: “ I CANNOT BELIEVE IT!... I’m so proud and so happy for the opportunity to dance.“ It brought out a side of me I hadn’t seen in a long time....