EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis has shared a photo from her final day on set, following news that she's leaving the soap.
Rose has played Frankie Lewis since 2020, becoming the first deaf actor to play a regular deaf character on the BBC show.
The soap confirmed earlier this week that Frankie will bow out this autumn as part of an "important" new storyline, with Rose already filming her final scenes.
On Instagram, reigning Strictly champion Rose shared a series of photos from EastEnders, beginning with one from her last day on set and ending with the first photo of Frankie – with memories including her first successful pint in the Queen Vic included along the way.
"It's been incredibly special to be @bbceastenders first regular deaf actor," Rose wrote. "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."
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In announcing her exit from the soap, Rose said she was "excited for viewers to see Frankie's exit storyline," adding: "I think it's a really important one that will hit home for lots of people."
The actress was also praised by EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw, who 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."
EastEnders airs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One, with some episodes airing on BBC Two during summer sporting events. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer.
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