A Jewish woman who was born profoundly deaf has scooped the “Best Actress” award at the first ever Deaf Oscar ceremony in the UK. Fiona “Fifi” Garfield won the Remark film and television award for her performance in TV soap “Switch,” which is part of BBC2’s “See Hear” program for the deaf, in front of an audience of 800 people at London’s International hotel.

When asked if she was surprised to win, Garfield said, “I was speechless because I didn’t expect it to win! How did I feel? I can’t say anything but that I was gob-smacked! I wanted to scream and say, “We did it!” I was really proud. My heart was beating really fast, but I was smiles all night long!”

Switch also won in the category of Best TV Drama. It has the same kinds of plot twists and cliff-hangers as a conventional soap opera. The show began in 2001 to mark the 20th anniversary of See Hear.

Fiona plays Fran, a woman who has left her husband and endured the accidental death of her only child.

Garfield’s mother, Rita Koten, who attends Kenton United synagogue in northwest London said, “Fiona has always been interested in drama and I’m very proud of her. In spite of having this handicap she has persevered and not let it hold her back.”

Sue Cipin, executive director of the Jewish Deaf Association in London, is very proud of Fiona’s achievement. She said: “It’s good to see how programs for deaf people have developed in the last few years. We wish Fiona lots of luck for the future and are thrilled for her.”

The 36-year-old has been acting with the London Deaf drama group since 1986. Her big acting break came when she was chosen out of 20 girls to star in a British Telecom television advertisement before earning her part in “Switch” at an open audition.