Rachel Shenton

At first, I simply wanted to get a basic understanding of sign language, but as time went on, I really got the bug and wanted to become proficient so that I could make good use of my skills.

I'm hoping I can fill a gap by helping to advise people on acting mechanics - the kinds of things that, looking back, I would have really benefited from as a teenager.

It's really important to remember that disability is diversity, and that disabled actors and disabilities are something that is hugely under-represented in film.

I've done my fair share of fundraising over the years, and I know how difficult that can be, so I could only imagine people's reaction when I was asking them to part with their hard-earned cash for a movie.

Being at the first post-Weinstein Oscars was amazing. It felt like there's a spotlight on diversity.

With the right support, a deaf child can do exactly the same as a hearing child, yet constantly, they're being failed.

There are things like the importance of having a showreel, a headshot, a cover note, a tailored CV - these are all really important when you are trying out for roles.

When you're an actor, it's really great to be busy - that's what we all want!

We need to be a bit kinder and more aware of what is really important.

I really enjoy being involved in 'Hollyoaks Later' - it's great.

I'd love to do something hard-hitting, like a lawyer or a policewoman, something like that. That would be nice.

I always say deafness is a silent disability: you can't see, and it's not life-threatening, so it has to touch your life in some way in order for it to be on your radar.