Actress Rose Ayling-Ellis has announced she will be leaving BBC's EastEnders at the end of the year, adding that she will “treasure" her time on soap. Her departure will come almost a year after being crowd Strictly Come Dancing's 2021 winner alongside professional partner Giovanni Pernice.
The 27-year-old joined the soap in 2020 as Frankie Lewis and became the first deaf actor to play a regular character on the soap. During her time in Albert Square, she has been involved in a number of big storylines, including when Frankie discovered Danny Dyer’s character Mick Carter was her father.
In a statement announcing her departure, Rose said 'now feels like the right time to move on' and that she's looking forward to "new challenges". She explained how her character's exit storyline will "hit home" with many viewers.
“It’s been incredibly special to be EastEnders’ first regular deaf actor," Rose said: "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.
She continued: “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.”
Executive producer Chris Clenshaw said the team at EastEnders were "incredibly proud" of Rose's achievements whilst working on the BBC soap and wished her "every success" saying she is a "trailblazer". He added: “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.”
Rose's announcement comes just days after she helped with the launch of the first Barbie Doll with behind-the-ear hearing aids. The actress won the Strictly glitterball trophy last year after becoming the first deaf contestant to take part in the hit dancing series and along with her Strictly partner Giovanni, they also won a BAFTA for their silent dance as part of their Couple's Choice performance during the show.
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