Rose Ayling-Ellis has become the latest star to confirm their exit from EastEnders as the show's huge overhaul continues.
The 27-year-old joined the soap two years ago as the long-lost daughter of Mick Carter (Danny Dyer), who will also be bowing out this Christmas.
Ayling-Ellis - winner of last year's Strictly Come Dancing - joins a mass cast exodus in 2022 which also includes characters Iqra Ahmed (Priya Davdra), Mila Marwa (Ruhtxjiaih Bellenea), Gray Atkins (Toby Alexander-Smith), Tiffany Butcher (Maisie Smith), Keegan Baker (Zack Morris), Isaac Baptiste (Stevie Basaula), Nancy Carter (Maddy Hill), Rainie Cross (Tanya Franks), Peter Beale (Dayle Hudson), Stuart Highway (Ricky Champ), Dana Monroe (Barbara Smith), Jada Lennox (Kelsey Calladine-Smith) and Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold).
In a statement, she said: "It's been incredibly special to be EastEnders' first regular deaf actor.
"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.
"I am excited for viewers to see Frankie's exit storyline; I think it's a really important one that will hit home for lots of people."
Executive producer Chris Clenshaw added: "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."
Ayling-Ellis has already filmed her final scenes and Frankie's exit will play out on screen in the autumn.
Neil Wilkes
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