Interview with Donna Mullings

Magic Hands presenter Donna Mullings grew up in Birmingham and now lives in Derby.

It's important to have shows such as Magic Hands because it is a good way of sending a message that there is another unexplored world out there."
— Donna Mullings

Tell us a little about yourself

I am the mother of a three-year-old son. I was born hearing and I became deaf at two years-old (through measles). I was born in Birmingham and have travelled all over the UK throughout my education. I have lived in Derby for the past four years. I am keen on arts and craft, like taking photos and love to travel especially in the summer holidays where I can just chill and relax on the beach. I also enjoy cooking, especially cupcakes and love dancing such as Zumba and Salsa. My guilty pleasure is watching Home and Away!

How did you become involved in Magic Hands?

I’d heard that they were auditioning for a new show, and as I have quite a lot of acting experience so I thought I’d go for an audition. That’s it really!

What have you enjoyed most about working on the show?

I thoroughly enjoyed signing the poetry in front of the TV camera with the props surrounding me, and creating the atmosphere right there on the set.

What do think about a programme being shown on CBeebies that is entirely in BSL?

I think it is brilliant! Just fantastic to have BSL shown on CBeebies as it will be the first time in history a CBeebies programme will have deaf BSL presenters.

What do you think children will get out of the programme: those who are deaf and those who are hearing?

Both deaf and hearing children have access to poetry with visual graphic effects. It is a fantastic way for deaf children of deaf or hearing parents to learn new words, and hearing children of deaf or hearing parents to learn and teach new BSL.

Why do you think shows such as Magic Hands are important?

It's important to have shows such as Magic Hands because it is a good way of sending a message that there is another unexplored world out there. Not many children’s programmes have BSL presenters. Magic Hands represents a fantastic leap forward and I hope it will continue in the future.

What are you doing next?

I would love to continue to fulfil my ambitions and dreams as an actress and TV presenter/in-vision presenter.