EastEnders spoilers - Rose Ayling-Ellis is leaving Eastenders

EastEnders spoilers follow.

EastEnders bosses have announced that Rose Ayling-Ellis will be bowing out from her role as Frankie Lewis.

The Strictly championed joined the soap in 2020 and is the first deaf actor to play a regular deaf character on the BBC show.

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Frankie has been part of a number of big storylines, including the discovery that she is Mick’s daughter after he was abused as a child.

BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

Frankie will bow out this autumn as part of an "important" new storyline. Rose has already filmed her final scenes.

Speaking about her exit, Rose 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."

BBC

EastEnders 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.

"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."