Kent actress Rose Ayling-Ellis has announced she is leaving her role in EastEnders after two years in the job.

The 27-year-old, who grew up in Hythe but went to school in Ashford, joined the cast in 2020 as Frankie Lewis, the daughter of Danny Dyer's character Mick Carter.

She became the first deaf actress to play a regular deaf character in the soap and has been part of a number of big storylines during her time on the show.

The former John Wallis Academy pupil has already filmed her final scenes which will hit our screens in autumn.

“It’s been incredibly special to be EastEnders’ first regular deaf actor," Rose said.

"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.”

Chris Clenshaw, executive producer, 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.”

Rose is also known for winning the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing and became the first deaf person to win the glitterball.

Her time on the show inspired pupils at her former school in Ashford who asked teachers for sign language classes while others used her success to fuel their passions for dance.

Earlier this week, Rose also unveiled the first Barbie doll with a hearing aid as part of the brand's Rose, Barbie and Friends campaign.

In February, she was named the third most influential person in television by the Radio Times.