Strictly’s Rose Ayling-Ellis is ‘being lined up by the BBC to star as first ever deaf lead in upcoming drama’
Rose Ayling-Ellis is reportedly being lined up to star as a deaf character in an upcoming drama.
The actress, 27, is set to take the lead in the new role after impressing BBC bosses while keeping her position in EastEnders, if the rumours are believed to be true.
It would mark the first time a hard-of-hearing person would feature in a series aired by the channel, which would like to see her ‘continue to shatter stereotypes’.
Elated: Rose Ayling-Ellis is reportedly being lined up to star as a deaf character in an upcoming drama, while keeping her position in EastEnders (pictured in November 2021)
An insider told The Sun: ‘Although she is committed for the foreseeable future to EastEnders, that doesn’t mean that she won’t be looking at her longer term prospects.
‘Especially as she’s seen her profile soar as a result of sailing into the final.
‘And the BBC will be keen to ensure that she takes her next step with the corporation, rather than with another broadcaster who could be keen to sign her up.’
Rose took on the role of Frankie Lewis in the soap last May, having previously appeared in various stage productions.
Her other TV credits include Summer of Rockets and Casualty.
Groundbreaking: It would mark the first time a hard-of-hearing personality would feature in a series aired by the BBC, which would like to see her ‘continue to shatter stereotypes’
It comes after she revealed that she and Giovanni Pernice, 31, will perform their emotional silent routine that left the nation in tears, in Saturday’s final.
The NTA nominee and the Italian dancer, aim to stun viewers with the ‘dance that changed her life’ as they battle for the glitter ball.
Speaking on It Takes Two with Rylan, Giovanni explained: ‘It was such a big moment, it would be weird for us not to do it again.’
Rose, who is the shows first deaf contestant, performed with Giovanni to a Couple’s Choice to Symphony by Clean Bandit featuring Zara Larsson, a stunning segment of which wasn’t performed to any music.
Talented: Rose took on the role of Frankie Lewis in the soap last May, having previously appeared in various stage productions (pictured in character in 2020)
The dancer added: ‘Obviously the silent moment was so powerful, and because this got so much attention. Rose keeps saying the dance changed her life and lots of people’s lives, so it’s just fair to do it again and I think it’s the right thing to do.’
Rose confirmed its significance as she said: ‘That dance changed my life. So I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.
‘I want to enjoy it because it’s my last Saturday night ever – I just want to thank the public for keeping me in and believing in me.’
They first performed the routine last month, when things took a breathtaking turn during the competition.
An emotional Anton Du Beke, 55, branded the moment ‘the greatest thing he’s ever seen on the show.’
Head judge Shirley Ballas, 61, stood up to praise the moving routine and told the pair: ‘This is a number that will be etched in my heart for a long, long time.’
Motsi Mabuse, 40, showed her gratitude to Rose for implementing the thought-provoking element to the dance on behalf of the deaf community.
‘Thank you. This was such a beautiful moment to include us in your world,’ she said.
They received an almost-perfect score of 39, which left the couple on a sentimental cloud nine.
Breathtaking: It comes after she revealed that she and Giovanni Pernice, 31, will perform their emotional silent routine that left the nation in tears, in Saturday’s final (pictured in November 2021)