Emma Barton is "so proud" of her 'EastEnders' co-star Rose Ayling-Ellis.
Emma Barton
Rose, 30, will be the first deaf star to ever take part in 'Strictly Come Dancing' and Emma revealed everyone at 'EastEnders' is thrilled for Rose, who plays Frankie Lewis in the BBC soap.
She said: "One of our very own familiar faces on 'EastEnders' is about to join the class of 2021'Strictly Come Dancing'.
"Waltzing her way from Walford onto the iconic ballroom, it’s our very own Rose Ayling-Ellis."
Emma - who plays Honey Mitchel - added to Rose: "The deaf community are going to be so behind you. I think it’s a fantastic choice to have you on the show and you are just going to be exceptional. I’m just so proud of you."
When asked how it feels to be the first deaf contestant on 'Strictly', Rose said: ‘I feel like. Finally! About time, but I can’t believe it’s me that’s doing it.
"I’m so, so excited and I think it would be great to break the stereotype that people think that deaf people can’t enjoy music and learn to dance. I’m really, really excited but I feel like, now it’s out there’s no going back. That’s it, I’m doing it.
"Every time I watch it, the people on it seem like they’re having the best time of their life."