Rose Ayling-Ellis is an award-winning British actress, television presenter, and advocate who has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry and the deaf community as the nation’s most celebrated deaf performer. Deaf since birth, she broke new ground with her roles in EastEnders and Strictly Come Dancing, championing representation and accessibility. This article provides a comprehensive overview of her life, career, accomplishments, family, controversies, recent news, net worth, and answers more than five FAQs.
Early Life and Family
Rose Lucinda Ayling-Ellis was born on November 17, 1994, in Hythe, Kent, England. Her parents separated when she was five months old, and she grew up with her older brother Jacob in a nurturing environment committed to helping her thrive as a deaf child. Rose learned British Sign Language (BSL) early thanks to her mother’s determination to communicate and immerse Rose in the deaf community.
Her education included attendance at Christ Church Church of England High School in Ashford, Kent. She holds an honours degree in fashion design from the University for the Creative Arts, graduating in 2016. Her early interest in performance was sparked by a National Deaf Children’s Society filming event, leading to her first role in Ted Evans’ award-winning short film The End at age 16.
Background and Identity
Rose’s identity is deeply intertwined with deaf culture and British Sign Language. Her disability, far from limiting her, became a platform to advocate for greater accessibility and inclusion. She has reflected on how lip-reading became a “survival technique,” noting the puzzle-solving aspect of communication for deaf people and how context, body language, and mood play vital roles.
Rise to Fame and Career Milestones
Theatre
- Rose performed in Deafinitely Youth Theatre and made notable appearances at the Royal Exchange, Manchester, and Birmingham Rep Theatre.
- In 2018, she landed her first TV role in Stephen Poliakoff’s Summer of Rockets for BBC Two.
Television
- Her breakthrough came in 2020 as Frankie Lewis in BBC’s EastEnders, making history as the soap’s first deaf actress using BSL.
- She won the 19th series of Strictly Come Dancing (2021) with Giovanni Pernice, becoming the first deaf contestant and winner in the show’s history. Their moment of silence during the dance became iconic for raising awareness.
- She starred as Alison Brooks in ITV’s crime thriller Code of Silence (2025), her first leading role, earning widespread acclaim.
- Other credits include a 2023 appearance in Doctor Who, presenter for the 2024 Paris Paralympics, and various roles in television and documentaries about deafness and accessibility.
Advocacy and Public Influence
- Rose is a passionate advocate for the deaf community, actively campaigning for the British Sign Language Bill and highlighting the struggles and aspirations of disabled people in the UK.
- She has appeared in documentaries and educational programs teaching BSL and raising awareness.
Awards and Recognition
- She received an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2024 for her voluntary services to the deaf community.
- Rose won the Visionary Honours for Inspirational Person of the Year and the Stage Debut Award.
- She was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University for the Creative Arts in July 2025 for her contributions to acting and advocacy.
- She is also a host for the 2025 Into Film Awards.
Net Worth and Income
Estimates as of 2025 put her net worth at around $2 million, comprising earnings from acting, endorsements, dance performances, and various public appearances. Her monthly earnings reportedly range from $12,400 to $17,080, with additional income from special projects, presenting, and advocacy.
Personal Life
- Rose keeps her personal life private. While reports indicate her boyfriend is Samuel Arnold, she does not publicly share details, preferring to focus on her career and advocacy.
- She stands at approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall.
- Her social media presence is strong, amplifying her message of inclusion and representation for disabled and marginalised voices.
Recent News
- Rose starred in Code of Silence, a drama highlighting police surveillance and the value of lip-reading.
- She was awarded an honorary doctorate by UCA and continues high-profile advocacy for disability rights and BSL legislation.
- Government policies affecting disabled people drew her commentary, particularly regarding welfare reforms and employment challenges.
- She hosted the prestigious Into Film Awards, underlining her expanding influence in British culture and youth education.
Controversies
Rose has largely avoided scandals, emerging from recent government policy debates as an articulate voice for disabled rights rather than controversy. Her advocacy has sometimes prompted vigorous discussion around welfare, the role of media in representing disability, and accessibility in public spaces.
FAQs about Rose Ayling-Ellis
Who is Rose Ayling-Ellis?
Rose Ayling-Ellis is a celebrated British actress, TV presenter, and author, known for her pioneering achievements as a deaf performer in the entertainment industry.
What is Rose Ayling-Ellis’ net worth in 2025?
Her estimated net worth in 2025 is about $2 million, with monthly earnings between $12,400 and $17,080.
What are Rose Ayling-Ellis’ most notable achievements?
- Winning Strictly Come Dancing as the show’s first deaf finalist and winner.
- She is the first deaf actress in EastEnders and will present the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
- Starring in the ITV drama Code of Silence (2025).
Is Rose Ayling-Ellis involved in any advocacy?
Yes, Rose is a prominent advocate for the deaf community, instrumental in lobbying for BSL recognition and participating in public campaigns for disability rights.
What is Rose Ayling-Ellis’ background?
She was born deaf in Kent, raised by her mother and older brother after her parents separated, educated at Christ Church High School and University for the Creative Arts, and immersed in the deaf community throughout her childhood.
What recent roles has Rose Ayling-Ellis played?
Her most recent leading role is Alison Brooks in Code of Silence (2025), plus major appearances in documentaries, Doctor Who (2023), and hosting youth awards.
Has Rose Ayling-Ellis faced any controversy?
No serious controversies; she has used her growing public profile to advocate for disabled rights and thoughtful reform, occasionally stirring debate around government policies but remaining a positive influence.
Impact and Legacy
Rose Ayling-Ellis stands as a role model for the deaf and disabled communities, as well as aspiring actors. Her work has transformed public perceptions around disability, proving that deaf performers can excel in mainstream entertainment and educate the nation on accessibility – from dance to drama to advocacy. She continues to inspire audiences and drive change, leveraging her platform for lasting societal impact.
