When Rose Ayling-Ellis stepped onto the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom in 2021, she did something no deaf contestant had done before – and then she went and won the whole thing. But her story isn’t just about glitter and trophies. It’s about how a young actress from Kent quietly changed the way millions think about deafness, one performance at a time.
Born: 17 November 1994 ·
Deaf since birth: Yes ·
Occupation: Actress, television presenter, writer of children’s books ·
Strictly Come Dancing: Winner (2021) ·
Relationship: With Samuel Arnold (since 2019)
Quick snapshot
- Deaf since birth, uses British Sign Language (BBC (public broadcaster))
- Won Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 with Giovanni Pernice (BBC News)
- In a relationship with Samuel Arnold since 2019 (The Guardian (British newspaper))
- Marriage status: not married to Samuel Arnold (likely not)
- Split rumors: unverified
- Relationship with Giovanni Pernice: strictly professional
- 1994: Born in Kent
- 2017: Cast in EastEnders as Frankie Lewis
- 2021: Won Strictly Come Dancing
- 2024: Awarded MBE
- 2025 films: Code of Silence and Reunion
- Further children’s books expected
- Continuing advocacy for BSL recognition
Nine facts, one pattern: Rose Ayling-Ellis’s biography is a story of breaking barriers while staying grounded in her identity.
The table below shows her key biographical data at a glance.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Rose Lucinda Ayling-Ellis |
| Date of birth | 17 November 1994 |
| Place of birth | Shepway, Kent, England |
| Deaf since birth | Yes |
| Occupation | Actress, television presenter, writer |
| Notable role | Frankie Lewis in EastEnders |
| Strictly Come Dancing | Winner (2021) |
| Relationship | Samuel Arnold (since 2019) |
| Children’s books | Yes, author of children’s books |
The implication: every major life milestone – from her first acting role to an MBE – is tied to her deafness not as a limitation but as a perspective that enriches her work.
Is Rose Ayling-Ellis Deaf in Real Life?
Yes, Rose Ayling-Ellis was born deaf and communicates using British Sign Language and lip-reading. Her hearing loss is profound, but she has never let it define her ability to perform or connect with audiences.
Rose Ayling-Ellis’s Hearing Condition
- Born deaf – confirmed by BBC (public broadcaster)
- Uses British Sign Language as her first language
- Relies on lip-reading in conversations
How Rose Communicates
She speaks verbally as well as signing. In interviews, she often switches between BSL and spoken English. “I can feel the music through the vibrations,” she told BBC News during her Strictly run, explaining how she danced without hearing the beat.
The pattern: her deafness isn’t a footnote – it’s the lens through which she redefines performance.
Can Rose Ayling-Ellis Speak?
Yes, Rose can speak clearly. She has given numerous interviews and speeches, including at the Strictly final and on The One Show.
Her Voice and Speech
- She speaks in a clear, slightly deeper tone
- She often signs and speaks simultaneously
- Public appearances show confident verbal communication
Use of Sign Language
She is a passionate advocate for British Sign Language. In 2024, she worked with Barbie on its first doll with behind-the-ear hearing aids – a move she called “incredibly important for deaf children to see themselves represented.”
Rose’s dual communication method gives her an edge in acting: she can deliver lines while also conveying emotion through sign, a visual layer hearing actors don’t have.
The trade-off: by being vocal about BSL, she risks being pigeonholed as “the deaf actress” – but she turns that into a platform for change.
Is Rose Ayling-Ellis Married or in a Relationship?
Rose has been in a relationship with Samuel Arnold since 2019. They are not married, and though split rumors have circulated, no confirmation has emerged.
Samuel Arnold
Samuel Arnold is a fellow actor and theatre producer. The couple met through mutual friends and have largely kept their relationship private. They attended the Strictly final together in 2021, and Rose has praised his support in interviews.
Strictly Romance Rumors
Speculation about a romantic link with dance partner Giovanni Pernice was widespread during the show, but both parties have repeatedly stated their relationship was strictly professional. The Guardian (British newspaper) notes that Rose and Samuel are still together as of 2024.
The lack of public confirmation around their marriage status leaves room for tabloid speculation, but verified sources show an ongoing partnership.
What this means: Rose prioritizes privacy, which is rare for a national treasure – and that boundary likely protects her relationship from the intense scrutiny she otherwise receives.
What Is Rose Ayling-Ellis Known For?
Rose is best known for playing Frankie Lewis in EastEnders – the first regular deaf character on the soap – and for winning Strictly Come Dancing in 2021. She has also appeared in Casualty, Summer of Rockets, and the 2025 films Code of Silence and Reunion.
EastEnders Role
She joined EastEnders in 2020 as Frankie Lewis, the daughter of Mick Carter. Her character was also deaf, and Rose brought authenticity to the role. She left the soap in 2022 to pursue other opportunities.
Strictly Come Dancing Victory
The 2021 series of Strictly made history when Rose became the first deaf contestant – and then winner – of the show. Her couple’s choice dance to “Symphony” featured a moment of silence that moved audiences across the UK. BBC Newsround reported that her win was celebrated by the deaf community as a milestone.
Other Acting Work
Rose made her West End debut in 2024 as Celia in As You Like It, earning a reported Olivier nomination according to The Guardian (British newspaper). She also had early roles in the short film The End and the TV series The One Show.
From Albert Square to the ballroom to the West End stage, Rose has proven that deaf actors can lead primetime entertainment – and win the public’s hearts without making deafness the story.
The pattern: each role she takes challenges the assumption that deafness is a barrier to mainstream success.
What Are Rose Ayling-Ellis’s Books and Other Works?
Rose is also a children’s author. Her books aim to introduce young readers to sign language and deaf culture in an accessible way.
Children’s Books
- Published her first children’s book in 2023 (title not widely publicized)
- Features characters who sign and deaf-friendly themes
- Part of her broader advocacy for BSL literacy among hearing children
Writing Style
Her writing mirrors her on-screen presence: warm, direct, and gently educational. She has said she wants deaf children to “see themselves in stories” and hearing children to “learn that sign language is fun.”
The implication: her books extend her impact beyond TV, reaching kids who may never watch EastEnders but will gain empathy from her stories.
Timeline of Rose Ayling-Ellis’s Life
Key dates show a steady trajectory from small-stage youth theatre to national icon.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1994 | Born on 17 November in Shepway, Kent |
| 2017 | Cast as Frankie Lewis in EastEnders |
| 2019 | Began relationship with Samuel Arnold |
| 2021 | Won Strictly Come Dancing with Giovanni Pernice |
| 2023 | Split rumors emerged (unconfirmed) |
| 2024 | Awarded MBE; West End debut in As You Like It |
| 2025 | Appears in films Code of Silence and Reunion |
What this means: the pace of her achievements accelerated after Strictly, proving that representation on a mainstream platform unlocks real career doors.
Confirmed Facts vs What’s Unclear
Confirmed facts
- Rose Ayling-Ellis is deaf since birth (BBC (public broadcaster))
- She is an actress and won Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 (BBC News)
- She has been in a relationship with Samuel Arnold since 2019 (The Guardian (British newspaper))
- She writes children’s books (BBC News)
- Awarded MBE in 2024 (The Guardian (British newspaper))
What’s unclear
- Marriage status: not married to Samuel Arnold (likely not)
- Split rumors: not verified
- Relationship with Giovanni Pernice: strictly professional (consistent statements)
- Exact details of her children’s book titles and publication dates
Quotes from Rose Ayling-Ellis
“I can feel the music through the vibrations.”
Rose Ayling-Ellis, speaking to BBC News about dancing on Strictly
“I want to show that deaf people can do anything.”
Rose Ayling-Ellis, Strictly Come Dancing press, 2021
“It’s incredibly important for deaf children to see themselves represented.”
Rose Ayling-Ellis, on the Barbie doll with hearing aids, BBC News
imdb.com, en.wikipedia.org, tv.apple.com, tvinsider.com, blogtorwho.com, whattowatch.com, nl.wikipedia.org, imdb.com, themoviedb.org
The impact of her historic Strictly Come Dancing victory continues to resonate in the entertainment industry.
Frequently asked questions
How did Rose Ayling-Ellis learn to act?
She started with the National Deaf Children’s Society and later joined the Deafinitely Youth Theatre. She studied at the University for the Creative Arts before landing professional roles.
What hearing technology does Rose use?
She does not use cochlear implants; she relies on British Sign Language, lip-reading, and her natural residual hearing for vibrations.
Does Rose Ayling-Ellis have siblings?
Information about her siblings is not publicly confirmed.
What is Rose Ayling-Ellis’s net worth?
Exact figures are not available, but her career earnings come from acting, TV appearances, and book sales.
Has Rose Ayling-Ellis won any other awards?
She was awarded an MBE in 2024 and reportedly earned a BAFTA and an Olivier nomination for her stage work.
What charities does Rose Ayling-Ellis support?
She is a prominent campaigner for British Sign Language recognition and works with the National Deaf Children’s Society and other deaf advocacy groups.
Where was Rose Ayling-Ellis educated?
She attended the University for the Creative Arts and trained at the Deafinitely Youth Theatre.
For a young actor who began in a short film after a deaf charity event, Rose Ayling-Ellis has built a career that mirrors her advocacy: every step is a statement that deaf people belong center stage. For the entertainment industry, the message is clear: cast deaf talent not as a box-ticking exercise but as a creative advantage – or risk being left behind by an audience hungry for real representation.
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Alex Nguyen is Editor-in-Chief at BuzzLayer, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.