Rose Ayling-Ellis facts: Strictly star's age, partner, career and more revealed

5 May 2023, 14:24

Rose-Ayling Ellis won the hearts of the nation when she appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2021.

The EastEnders actor ended up winning the 19th series of Strictly with her dance partner Giovanni Pernice.

Here are all the big facts about the talented star:

1. Who is Rose Ayling-Ellis?

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   Rose Ayling-Ellis was previously best known for her role in EastEnders - she joined the East London-based soap last year as Frankie Lewis.

   Rose is also the first deaf actress to play a deaf character on the show.

   Her previous work includes theatre productions and some of her other TV work includes Summer of Rockets and Casualty. Rose uses British Sign Language (BSL).

   Rose mentioned that joining Strictly Come Dancing was the “hardest secret” she’s ever had to keep and added that she hopes to make the deaf community “proud”.

   “To be the first deaf contestant on Strictly Come Dancing is sooooo exciting.. and a little bit scary. It is the hardest secret I have ever had to keep so it feels amazing to finally have this out in the open,” Rose told the show.

   “I hope I will do the deaf community proud and break down more barriers. But I am also very excited to learn an incredible new skill and even better I get to learn whilst wearing beautiful dresses made especially for me!”

   In May 2022, Rose became the first celebrity to sign a bedtime story on CBeebies.

   In August 2022, she unveiled the first deaf Barbie doll equipped with behind-the-ear hearing aids as part of the campaign Rose, Barbie and Friends.

2. How old is Rose Ayling-Ellis?

   Rose Ayling-Ellis was born on November 28, 1994.

   She celebrated her 28th birthday in 2022.

3. Is Rose Ayling-Ellis dating or in a relationship?

   Rose Ayling-Ellis was in a relationship with partner Samuel Arnold from 2014 until 2022.

   The couple split up in late 2022, reportedly due to her busy work schedule.

   Speaking about their split, Rose told The Telegraph: "I felt, from the start, like I had known him for a very, very long time… if that’s part of what 'love at first sight' can mean?"