BBC Documentary featuring residents and staff at ExtraCare Charitable Trust’s Hughenden Garden's Village

Two-Part Documentary: ‘Rose Ayling-Ellis: Old Hands, New Tricks’

The BBC two-part documentary series, Rose Ayling-Ellis: Old Hands, New Tricks, stars the beloved Strictly Come Dancing champion and former EastEnders actress, Rose Ayling-Ellis and features residents and staff at ExtraCare’s Hughenden Garden’s Village. This heart-warming and thought-provoking series follows Rose as she leads a group of retirees on an emotional six-week journey to learn British Sign Language (BSL). The documentary aired Part 1 - Wednesday 26th March on BBC One at 9pm, and Part 2 - Wednesday 2nd April on BBC One at 9pm. It's also available on the iPlayer!

BBC Two-Part Documentary: ‘Rose Ayling-Ellis: Old Hands, New Tricks’

In the documentary, Rose will guide the residents and staff of Hughenden Gardens as they learn BSL, unlocking new ways of communication and connection. With expert advice and professional guidance, Rose is embarking on a groundbreaking experiment to explore whether BSL can improve the quality of life for the elderly and potentially offer a powerful tool for overcoming the isolation that often comes with hearing loss.

Reflecting on the personal nature of the project, Rose comments: "I knew filming this show would be a challenge, but what I have experienced teaching the residents sign language has gone beyond my expectations. It is an experience I will cherish for a lifetime, and I just can't wait for viewers to see the series."

At its heart, 'Old Hands, New Tricks' is about more than just teaching a new skill. It’s a celebration of the joy of communication, the power of community, and the profound impact that understanding and connection can have on our lives, especially in our later years. Rose’s journey promises to shift perspectives on BSL and the ways it can help enhance inclusion and improve well-being for older people.

The documentary offers a powerful, emotional exploration of the transformative power of language and community for older generations.

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Hearing loss in the UK:

As the UK faces a growing challenge with hearing loss among older adults, this series aims to highlight the impact of hearing impairment on health and wellbeing in later life. With an estimated 75% of older individuals experiencing some degree of hearing loss, this documentary brings attention to a pressing public health concern. Often neglected or undiagnosed, hearing loss in older adults can lead to serious social, mental, and physical consequences.

Air date:

26th March and 2nd April 2025 in two parts on BBC One at 9pm. Also available on iPlayer.

Legacy:

12 people of the 17 who took part in the series will be going on to finish studying a BSL level 1 certification. Additionally, ExtraCare are working with the Royal Association for the Deaf (RAD) and are committed to working towards creating a Deaf Hub at Hughenden Gardens Village and potential other locations.

If there are any stories you would like to share please send on to: marketing@extracare.org.uk