Rose Ayling-Ellis has said she is 'honoured and moved' as she shared some exciting special news with her fans. The former EastEnders actress revealed that she has been given her own portrait in The National Portrait Gallery.
She paid the art gallery a visit to see herself up on the wall for the first time. Taking to Instagram, Rose, 28, beamed for the camera as she posed alongside her portrait as well as sharing clips of several people observing all the portraits at the gallery, including the Prince and Princess of Wales and singer Ed Sheeran.
"This evening was a real pinch-me moment because a photo of me is displayed at The National Portrait Gallery in the 'History Makers Now' selection," Rose, who played Frankie Lewis in BBC One soap EastEnders explained in the caption of her post.
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"A 16-year-old me studying Art and visiting all these galleries would not believe my face would one day be on the gallery wall. I admit, I did tear up thinking how far I have come. It is a special moment tonight." She added: "Thank you @nationalportraitgallery for choosing me. I am deeply honoured and very moved."
And fans and followers were quick to respond to Rose's post as they showed their support and gave their praise to the Strictly Come Dancing winner. @rescueluxury said: "You may not realise it but you are a national treasure and absolutely priceless so very fitting you have found your place here."
@ann.butcher40 replied: "The world can see what a fantastic and special person you are Rose congratulations you are so deserving of the space on that wall shine brightly Rose." @woodgatehelen wrote: "Wow! That's wonderful. And no less than you deserve. Well done Rose."
@mcnally1347 commented: "Oh Rose how special. We have all been tearing up since 2021 and here we go again." @paulinerobertson6 shared: "Congratulations, Rose - you’ve more than earned your place in the ‘History Makers Now’ section." @paulbrooks5813 added: "You are a very special and inspirational young woman, Rose. You deserve to be celebrated like this."
It comes after Rose jokingly revealed that she isn't always as glamourous as some of her pictures make out. The former Strictly star, who became the first deaf person to compete and win the BBC One dance contest in 2021, shared images from her recent, angelic photoshoot with The Observer Magazine.
"I cannot get over this photo," Rose typed to her followers. "I feel like I live a double life cos only if you could see me right now, hot and sweaty on the tube, wearing a t-shirt that slightly needs a wash but can get away. If only I could look this glamorous every day."
Rose's hairstylist for the photoshoot Ricky Walters was among the first to comment, jokingly writing: "Wait you don’t dress like this on the tube???" Meanwhile, fans were loving her cheeky honesty.
@krissyjarvis62 said: "That's our Rose, keeping it real, what a beautiful picture of a super talented young lady, stunning!!" @anneroma1134 commented: "You are beautiful whatever you wear, don't put yourself down Rose. You are one amazing lady , who has made a difference in this world, you always leave a little sparkle wherever you go."
@stephanie_barrows replied: "You always look amazing. Your soul shines through and adds to your natural beauty @rose.a." @nancoisb wrote: "I get the contrast and can relate, but there is no denying this is a beautiful photo of you." @boundellie added: "Gorgeous girl. You’d look great in whatever you wear. Keep being beautiful and just be you."
