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Last updated on the 3 June 2025 by Evandrus
Mini Biography
Born: 17 November 1994, Hythe, Kent, England.
Rose Ayling-Ellis was diagnosed as deaf at birth and began using British Sign Language (BSL) at a young age. Rose developed an early interest in drama and storytelling, which was encouraged through her participation in a National Deaf Children’s Society filming weekend. It was there that she met a deaf film director who introduced her to the possibilities of acting as a profession.
For her education, Rose Ayling-Ellis attended a mainstream school with support and later trained at the Deafinitely Youth Theatre, a company that nurtures young deaf talent. This experience proved foundational in shaping her career path, helping her build confidence and gain acting skills that would serve her in professional roles. She also studied at the University of the Arts London, focusing on performance and visual storytelling.
Rose Ayling-Ellis gained widespread recognition for her role as Frankie Lewis in the BBC soap opera “EastEnders”, where she played the show’s first regular deaf character. Her portrayal was praised for bringing authentic representation of the deaf community to mainstream television. In 2021, she further rose to prominence by winning “Strictly Come Dancing” alongside her dance partner Giovanni Pernice. Their emotional and history-making performances, including a moment of silence during one routine to represent the experience of deaf people, resonated deeply with audiences.
In 2025 she landed the lead role in the ITV crime drama “Code of Silence”.
In her personal life, Rose Ayling-Ellis is a passionate advocate for disability rights and inclusive representation in media. She continues to challenge stereotypes and raise awareness about the experiences of deaf individuals. Her visibility and activism have made her not only a respected actress but also a role model and spokesperson for greater accessibility in the arts.
Suggested viewing
Code of Silence (2025)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.0
In “Code of Silence,” a smart deaf woman working in a police canteen is suddenly thrust into a high-stakes investigation. Her exceptional lip-reading skills become crucial for solving a major criminal case involving a dangerous gang. As she traverses this perilous new world, she finds herself unexpectedly drawn to one of the suspects, complicating her mission and challenging her loyalties.
Top cast: Rose Ayling-Ellis, Kieron Moore, Charlotte Ritchie, Andrew Buchan, Nathan Armarkwei Laryea, Joe Absolom, John Bishop, Beth Goddard, Andrew Scarborough.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYH7bOZeaVM