We were lucky enough to sit down with Ross McCarthy, the first deaf contributor on Channel 4’s Married At First Sight UK. Ross uses two hearing aids, lip reads and knows some sign language.
Hi Ross, we are so excited to see you on Channel 4’s Married At First Sight UK. How did it feel when you received the call to be on the show?
At first, I thought the phone call was a scam! It was around Christmas time, and so I thought lots of scams would be happening. Luckily, I didn’t hang up the phone on them. I never get big opportunities like this, and Married at First Sight UK (MAFS UK) is massive and I was in a lot of shock and obviously surprised.
When did you realise you were going to be the first deaf contributor on MAFs? How did you feel that you will be representing a big community of people?
When I found out that I was the first deaf contributor, I was happy. I’m proud to be on the show, and I hope it can be helpful to other people.
What has the reaction been like since the cast were announced?
I’ve had lots of positive support and it’s been great to have had so many people reach out to me. As the first deaf contributor, it’s been amazing to have such an outpouring of support and kindness.
Has being deaf affected you in previous relationships or going out and dating generally?
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.
What advice would you give to other deaf people who are navigating dating?
Don’t allow anything to hold you back from living life, and 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!
Can you recall a moment when someone said ‘it doesn’t matter‘ when you were trying to chat to them?
For me, I have heard this a few times, but 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.
If there was one thing people could do to communicate better with you – what would it be?
Just speak slowly,* don’t move your head around too much so I don’t get motion sickness, haha! And just keep eye contact, so it makes lip reading a little easier. But even better if you can sign!
* Please note, this answer is a personal preference. Every deaf person, or person with hearing loss, is different, which is why you should ask them how best to communicate with them.
Married At First Sight UK continues on E4. Watch or stream Monday to Thursday at 9pm, with signed versions on Channel 4 Streaming.
