Rose Ayling-Ellis: Old Hands, New Tricks

Episode 1

Rose Ayling-Ellis arrives at Hughenden Gardens Retirement Village on a bold and heartfelt mission— to teach British Sign Language (BSL) to a group of retirees in just six weeks. Her goal is to explore whether BSL can enhance their quality of life, deepen connections, and combat the isolation that often comes with hearing loss.

The students—some well into their nineties—embrace the challenge with enthusiasm despite the physical hurdles of learning a new language at a later stage of life. To support their journey, Rose enlists the help of her friend, charismatic teacher Marios Costi. As the lessons progress, the group begins to share their life stories in an entirely new way.

For 92-year-old Eric, the experience extends beyond the classroom as he starts teaching his great-grandchildren some signs. His daughter observes that the classes are ‘taking 10 years off him.’ Meanwhile, Sue, who is losing her sight, expresses frustration with the word "disabled," struggling with being seen as different. Rose hopes to shift perspectives, so she takes the group to one of her favourite places—the Jewish Deaf Association in London. Here, the residents witness a vibrant, thriving deaf community that challenges their preconceptions. Sue has a powerful breakthrough when she meets Michael, a deafblind man whose radiant positivity changes her outlook on life.

As the group immerses themselves in the world of BSL, they embark on a journey that is not just about learning a language, but about discovering new ways to connect, communicate, and embrace life with renewed confidence and joy.

The episode’s finale is a signing karaoke night in celebration of the residents’ progress. Keith wows the room, Eric serenades June with a love song, and Pam gets the whole room sign-singing along! 

Episode 2

Rose Ayling-Ellis sweeps back into Hughenden Gardens Retirement Village, ready to take her students to the next level. They’ve learned the basics of British Sign Language (BSL), but their motivation is starting to wane. Refusing to let them give up, Rose enlists the help of children from a nearby school for the deaf to reignite their passion for learning. What begins as an intergenerational meet-up turns unexpectedly poignant as residents and children open up about their fears and dreams. George bonds with young Chloe as they swap stories of being teased for being different - proof that some life lessons transcend age.

Determined to spread BSL beyond the classroom, Rose launches an ingenious ‘Sign Only Supper’—no signing, no supper! With the arrival of the Deaf Chefs, the challenge becomes an unforgettable experience, breaking down barriers through shared language and laughter. To further immerse the residents in deaf culture, Rose introduces them to the electrifying world of Deaf Raves, showing them how music can be felt as much as heard.

Re-energized by their experiences, the group prepares for their grand finale—a public signing performance in front of family and friends. Despite weeks of dedication, Eric suddenly loses confidence and considers backing out. Can Rose convince him to take to the stage?

As the course draws to a close, it’s clear that this journey is far from over. The residents, now armed with a new language and a new perspective, begin to shape a more inclusive future for their community. In an emotional conclusion, Rose receives a thank-you card from the daughter of a student that has since passed away, telling her of how she spent her final days in hospital communicating through the sign language she had learned when she was unable to talk, showing to Rose how useful it became for her.

Episode 1

Episode 2

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