Since making history as the first deaf winner of Strictly Come Dancing in 2021, Rose Ayling-Ellis has become a powerful advocate for the deaf community in entertainment.
Despite the obstacles she’s faced due to her hearing loss, Rose has carved out a successful acting career. Now 30, she stars in ITV’s gripping new drama Code of Silence, a six-part series where she plays Alison, a police canteen worker who gets pulled into a criminal case.
Alison’s exceptional lip-reading abilities become crucial as officers rely on her to help track a dangerous gang.
Fans who followed Rose Ayling-Ellis in EastEnders and more recently Reunion will see a major leap in her career with Code of Silence, as it marks her first lead role.
She stars alongside Charlotte Ritchie, who plays DS Ashleigh Francis—a detective who forms a close, sister-like bond with Rose’s character, Alison. Meanwhile, Andrew Buchan takes on the role of DI James Marsh, a no-nonsense officer driven by results and less attuned to Alison’s needs as a deaf person.
Andrew teased the emotional weight his character carries: “The last time this gang was active, an innocent man died. That burden stays with him daily.”
Charlotte also shared insight into her role: “She’s in a tough spot. There’s a real connection between them, but also that sibling-like tension. She’s constantly torn between trusting Alison’s instincts and holding her back.”
Beloved British actress Charlotte Ritchie—famous for her roles in Fresh Meat, Call The Midwife, and Ghosts—has recently caught international attention with her appearance in Netflix’s You. Still, she remains deeply connected to British television. “My home is the UK,” she shared. “There’s a closeness in British TV. I’ve been very lucky with this show, it felt really local.”
Rose Ayling-Ellis is equally dedicated to authenticity, especially when it comes to representing the deaf community. Code of Silence goes beyond a typical crime drama, diving into Alison’s personal world. The series also introduces a romantic element, with Kieron Moore playing Liam, Alison’s love interest.
Rose Ayling-Ellis is passionate about portraying the full spectrum of a deaf woman’s life in Code of Silence—romance included. Her on-screen chemistry with co-star Kieron Moore was so strong that they skipped the traditional chemistry read altogether. Kieron recalls their first encounter fondly: “We met on the first day of filming. We shot a scene from a later episode, and it’s one of my favourites because the chemistry was so real. I felt so safe with Rose.”
Off set, the cast quickly became a tight-knit group. Rose brought infectious positivity to the shoot, especially while filming in Canterbury—where she once studied. She made it her mission to teach the crew a new sign language word each day, creating a more inclusive and connected environment.