Strictly Come Dancing champion Rose Ayling-Ellis is rumoured to be joining Doctor Who as Ncuti Gatwa's companion.
The EastEnders favourite, 27, who last week revealed she had quit Albert Square after two years of playing Frankie Lewis, started following Ncuti, showrunner Russell T. Davies and casting director Andy Pryor on Instagram.
Saying her new job was shrouded in secrecy, Rose added: "You will find out more at the end of this month. I'm not allowed to say anything."
Her reaction has convinced some fans that she will be by Ncuti's side as he starts filming his adventures through time and space in the TARDIS this autumn.
The actress, who is deaf, would be the first disabled companion to appear in the sci-fi TV series. But in the audio versions, she follows on from Ruth Madeley, 35, who plays wheelchair-bound companion Hebe Harrison.
Rose has filmed her final scenes for EastEnders and has been involved in a new Barbie doll with a hearing aid, which she helped to design.
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In December she made history on Strictly, alongside her professional partner Giovanni Pernice, by becoming the first deaf participant on the show.
Ncuti, 29, has been announced as the new Doctor but is not expected to pick up his sonic screwdriver until November, when filming starts on the BBC1 series to air in 2024.
This autumn will see Jodie Whittaker, 40, leave her role as the Doctor, with her regeneration expected to feature David Tennant, 51.
Next year, as the show celebrates its 60th anniversary, the three specials are expected to star David, Catherine Tate, 54, as companion Donna Noble and a host of guest stars.
A BBC spokeswoman declined to comment.
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