Married at First Sight UK's first deaf star Ross has said he never misses out on 'juicy gossip' and isn't afraid to ask people to repeat themselves.
We have seen a real and important shift in inclusivity on reality TV shows in recent years, and Ross McCarthy has become the first ever deaf contestant on MAFS UK.
As a show centred around conversation, and, of course, this year, more drama than ever seen before, Ross has made sure he never misses out on an inch of the gossip.
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In an interview with the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, Ross spoke openly about how he found his deafness affected past relationships, and what he says when someone tells him 'it doesn't matter' after he didn't pick up what they said.
He explained how he was 'happy' to be the first ever deaf contestant on the reality show, and that he has received and 'outpouring' of kindness and support from fans of the programme.
Ross is currently married to Sacha Jones on MAFS UK, and the pair seem to be getting on well, having chosen to stick together at multiple commitment ceremonies.
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Talking about how his deafness ever compromised relationships in the past, he said: "Speaking for myself only, I haven’t found that being deaf has not been a problem for me.
"Being deaf is a part of me, and I don’t see it as a bad thing.
"I’m brave, I’m confident, I’m big, deaf and proud."
He also gave some advice for others looking to date with his condition: "Don’t allow anything to hold you back from living life," the star said.
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"If big opportunities come your way, don’t hold back.
"I would say, don’t hold onto your fear, you can beat the fear and show the community - and most importantly yourself - that you can do it.
"If I can do it, you can!"
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Ross also said there have been occasions when he hasn't heard exactly what someone has said, but they eventually told him it 'didn't matter'.
But the groom has a killer three-word response that always prompts the person to repeat themselves.
He said: "I will always back myself and ask them to ‘spit it out’ and say it.
"It’s important for everybody to communicate, as we all need communication, it brings everybody together, and so I will always ensure I am not left out of a conversation, or lose out on knowing a top secret or juicy gossip, just because somebody might feel awkward having to repeat themselves."
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We couldn't agree more!
Topics: Health, Married At First Sight, Married at First Sight UK, Reality TV, Channel 4
Mia Williams