Rose Ayling-Ellis made history on CBeebies bedtime story

EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis made history with her incredible win on Strictly Come Dancing last year, and now she's had another TV first: the first CBeebies Bedtime Story told through sign language.

The star read the story Can Bears Ski? this Sunday (May 8), as part of Deaf Awareness Week. Written by Raymond Antrobus and illustrated by Polly Dunbar, the story follows a bear and explores what it's like to be Deaf in a hearing world.

"I am super excited to read my first CBeebies bedtime story in British Sign Language and it's even more wonderful to share a story written by a Deaf writer," she said in a statement.

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"I hope Deaf children enjoy the story and it inspires hearing children to want to learn BSL more."

Ayling-Ellis only spoke twice throughout the programme: once when introducing the story, and once when saying goodnight. It is one of two stories the star has recorded for CBeebies, although we don't know what the other one is or when it will air just yet.

Previously, Catastrophe star Rob Delaney read a story in Makaton, which is a combination of speaking, signs and symbols.

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The actress has been campaigning to make British Sign Language legally recognised as its own language, which became reality at the end of last month. This will hopefully allow Deaf people easier access to interpreters when, for example, they go to the doctor's surgery.

"Be proud of what you have done," wrote Ayling-Ellis' professional Strictly dance partner Giovanni Pernice on Instagram when the news was announced.

Strictly Come Dancing is expected to return to BBC One later this year.