Rose Ayling-Ellis is set to depart her role as Frankie Lewis in EastEnders later this year after joining the show back in 2020.
The 27-year-old is the first deaf actor to play a regular deaf character on the BBC soap and has been part of a number of big storylines, including the discovery that she is Mick’s daughter after he was abused as a child.
BBC soap bosses have confirmed that Rose will bow out of Walford in a storyline set to air this autumn, which she has already filmed her final scenes for.
Speaking of leaving, Rose said: “It’s been incredibly special to be EastEnders’ first regular deaf actor.
"I have loved my time on the show and Frankie has been such an awesome character to play, however now feels like the right time for me to move on and I am excited and ready for new challenges.
"I will always treasure my time on the show and all the incredible people I have worked with, who have supported my growth as an actor these last two years and given me so many amazing memories.
"I am excited for viewers to see Frankie’s exit storyline; I think it’s a really important one that will hit home for lots of people.”
EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: “I have only had the pleasure to work with Rose for a short time but she has always been an incredible asset to EastEnders; not just as a phenomenal actor, but as an amazing company member too.
"As part of the Carter family, Rose has shone in important narratives such as discovering she’s Mick Carter’s daughter as a result of child abuse; and she will soon tackle the important issue highlighting women’s safety on the streets.
"We at EastEnders are incredibly proud of everything Rose has achieved – she’s a real trailblazer, and we wish her every success.”
Rose's decision to exit the BBC soap comes after she won the glitterball trophy on Strictly Come Dancing with partner Giovanni Pernice.
The dancing pair won the hearts of the nation after performing a routine which saw them share a poignant silent moment to Symphony by Clean Bandit.
Rose was the first deaf contestant to compete on Strictly Come Dancing and subsequently won the TV Must-See Moment Award at the BAFTA's alongside Giovanni for the routine.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One
