The doc aims to highlight the issue of hearing loss among the older generation and the impact it can have on health and wellbeing.

BBC Factual has commissioned two-part documentary Signs for Living with Rose Ayling-Ellis (w/t) in which the actor/presenter will follow a retirement village as the residents learn British Sign Language (BSL) in a unique experiment.

The show reunites Ayling-Ellis with Rogan Productions; they previously collaborated on Rose Ayling-Ellis: Signs for Change’.

With an estimated 75% of older people experience hearing loss, expected to increase to 80% by 2032, Ellis will explore if BSL has the potential to improve the quality of life in old age while exposing the lack of provision for those who experience loss of hearing in later life.

Ayling-Ellis said: “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.”

The BBC One series is directed by Simon Gilchrist. The series producer is Camilla Arnold; executive producers are Teresa Watkins, James Rogan and Soleta Rogan. Ethan Blake Brooks is producer/director and producer is Daniel Hall. The BBC commissioning editors are Emma Loach and Caroline O’Neill.