Rose Ayling-Ellis confirms exit as Frankie in BBC’s EastEnders

Strictly winner Rose Ayling-Ellis has announced she is leaving EastEnders and the role of Frankie Lewis after two years.

Rose became the BBC soap’s first regular deaf actress in 2020 after Ben Mitchell (played by Max Bowden) lost more of his hearing following a boat crash and was introduced to Frankie through his boyfriend, Callum (Tony Clay).

The storyline was pitched by The Limping Chicken‘s editor, Charlie Swinbourne, and subsequent developments on the show has seen Frankie revealed as the daughter of Danny Dyer’s character, Mick Carter, after he was abused as a child.

In an Instagram post sharing images from her time on the programme, Rose said: “It’s been incredibly special to be EastEnders‘ first 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.”

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A post shared by Rose Ayling-Ellis (@rose.a.e)

Rose ended up taking time away from the show last year to participate in the BBC dance competition Strictly Come Dancing, which she went on to win with dance partner Giovanni Pernice.

She added: “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.”

Producers have confirmed an upcoming storyline for Frankie will focus on the “important issue” of “woman’s safety on the streets”.

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.

“We at EastEnders are incredibly proud of everything Rose has achieved – she’s a real trailblazer, and we wish her every success.”

News of Rose bowing out from the soap comes after she partnered with Barbie on a new doll with a hearing aid earlier this week, and ahead of her delivering this year’s Alternative McTaggart lecture on life as a Deaf actress at this year’s Edinburgh TV Festival.

Rose’s departure is scheduled for this autumn, and the actress has already filmed her final scenes.

Photo: BBC.

By Liam O’Dell. Liam is an award-winning Deaf freelance journalist and campaigner from Bedfordshire. He can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.