Departing EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis is rumoured to be the new Doctor Who companion. Last week, it was confirmed that the 2021 Strictly Come Dancing champion would be leaving the popular BBC One soap-opera after two years. You can read more about that here.
Rose's Instagram has hinted that she will be joining the TARDIS alongside new Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa, in the new series of the BBC science-fiction show. The 27-year-old, who plays Frankie Lewis in EastEnders, has followed new Time Lord Ncuti, returning showrunner Russell T. Davies and casting director Andy Pryor on the social media platform.
Regarding her new job, Rose has said that it is shrouded in secrecy and confirmed: "You will find out more at the end of this month. I'm not allowed to say anything."
Read more: Strictly star Rose Ayling-Ellis to leave BBC soap EastEnders later this year
The actress, who is deaf, would be the first disabled companion to appear in the sci-fi TV series. But in Big Finish's Doctor Who audio versions, she follows on from Ruth Madeley, 35, who plays wheelchair-using companion Hebe Harrison. Ruth, herself, is also rumoured for a role in the new series of the television show.
Since joining EastEnders and subsequently winning Strictly in 2021, Rose's popularity has grown massively. Most recently, she made headlines after helping to design a Barbie doll with hearing aids. You can read more about here.
As mentioned, if cast, Rose would join new Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa, who is set to begin filming once he has completed work on the fourth season of Sex Education. Later this year, the incumbent Doctor, Jodie Whittaker, will depart the role after first taking it on in 2017.
2023 marks the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who and to celebrate, both David Tennant and Catherine Tate are returning in a series of special episodes. Hollywood actor, Neil Patrick Harris has also joined the cast as the 'greatest enemy [the Doctor] has ever faced'. For more showbiz and television stories, get our newsletter here.
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