There are rumours circulating that Rose Ayling-Ellis could be the new Doctor Who companion, joining the next Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa, on adventures through time and space.
The actress has just filmed her last episode of EastEnders, having played Frankie Lewis in the UK soap since 2020, and it’s speculated that her next job will be Doctor Who. That would explain why she’s recently started following Ncuti Gatwa and new showrunner, Russell T Davies, on Instagram too!
Of course, another explanation might be that she’s hedging her bets because she’d like a role in the show sometime, or maybe she’s just a Doctor Who fan. Nonetheless, it’s fun to speculate, and Ayling-Ellis would be a great addition to the series: she’s impressed in EastEnders and has a high-profile right now, thanks for her appearance in last year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
In fact, she not only won the show alongside her professional dance partner, Giovanni Pernice, but also made history as the first deaf competitor. Her performance to Symphony, which faded the music out for a short period, so viewers could experience what a silent dance was like for Rose, was especially moving.
Asked what her next job is after EastEnders, the 27-year-old actress said:
“You will find out more at the end of this month. I’m not allowed to say anything!”
That’s certainly the sort of secrecy you’d expect from Doctor Who. And an announcement just around the corner would make sense given that Ncuti is reported to be starting to film Doctor Who in November.
If Ayling-Ellis is the new companion, she’ll be the first deaf TV companion to board the TARDIS. It’d be great to have that diversity on prime-time telly, and would fit in with Rose’s quest for greater representation for anyone with hearing difficulties.
The rumour is also rather fitting given that Maddy Hill, who plays her sister in EastEnders, was rumoured to be a companion after she temporarily left the soap a few years ago!
What do you think, DWC gang? Would Rose make a perfect friend for the Doctor? Does it go with the name? Is there anyone else you’d prefer to see with Gatwa’s Time Lord?
