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Rose Ayling-Ellis quits EastEnders after two years

Rose Ayling-Ellis plays Frankie on EastEnders credit:Bang Showbiz
Rose Ayling-Ellis plays Frankie on EastEnders credit:Bang Showbiz

Rose Ayling-Ellis has quit 'EastEnders' to embrace "new challenges".

The 27-year-old star - who has played Frankie Lewis for two years on the BBC soap - is set to leave the shows months after winning 'Strictly Come Dancing', and she wants to focus on other projects and opportunities.

In a statement, she said: "It’s been incredibly special to be EastEnders’ first regular 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.

"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."

Her final scenes are set to air later this year.

The show's executive producer Chris Clenshaw heaped praise on Rose and hailed her as a "real 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.

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

Rose recently joined forces with Barbie on a campaign revealing Mattel's first version of the dolls with hearing aids.

She said: "When I was little, I would draw hearing aids on to my Barbie dolls to make them look like me, so I am thrilled that Mattel is releasing more dolls that encourage kids to celebrate and embrace their differences."