Rose Ayling-Ellis shuts down Doctor Who rumours

Rose Ayling-Ellis has shut down 'Doctor Who' rumours.

The ‘EastEnders’ star was the centre of speculation after announcing last week that she was quitting the BBC One soap, and the 27-year-old star - who shot to fame playing Frankie Lewis in the show for two years – hinted she was moving on to work on a top secret project.

After following 'Doctor Who' showrunner Russell T Davies, casting director Andry Pryor as well as actor Ncuti Gatwa - who is taking over as the titular Time Lord next year - on Instagram, fans were convinced she was the Doctor’s new companion.

Addressing the rumours on Sky News, Rose said: “I have no idea where that got started! A rumour just spread.

“There’s no truth, I think it was a rumour that started last week on Twitter and it’s just got bigger and bigger and now it’s everywhere!”

Upon hearing the speculation, fans were quick to respond and were “very excited” about her potentially joining the cast.

One fan tweeted: "Doctor Who is one of my all time favourite shows, and if Rose Ayling-Ellis turns out to be the new companion, I think I'd pass out with the excitement!! Please let this be true! (sic)"

Another added: "If Rose Ayling-Ellis is the new doctor who companion I will cry."

And a third person wrote: "Rose Ayling-Ellis for the next companion in #DoctorWho, please. #eastenders. (sic)"

If Rose, who is deaf, was cast as the Doctor’s next companion she would have become the first sidekick with a disability to appear on screen. Ruth Madeley plays wheelchair-bound companion Hebe Harrison on the audio versions.

‘Sex Education’ star Ncuti will make history as the first black actor to play the iconic role of the Doctor.

Gatwa will make his debut in 2023 as the Fourteenth Doctor, taking over from Jodie Whittaker, who is stepping down this autumn.