Rose Ayling-Ellis: ‘We Shouldn’t Have To Wait Years Between Stories With Deaf Characters’

We sit down with Rose Ayling-Ellis, who stars in British crime drama Code of Silence this May. 

Interview: Rose Ayling-Ellis

Hi Rose, how’s life going at the moment?

Not too bad! Quite crazy – so much of my year’s work is all coming out at once, but honestly, I’m loving it. It’s so rewarding to see everything come together.

You’re about to star in Code of Silence. Can you give us an elevator pitch for the series?

Alison is a young deaf woman just trying to make ends meet, working in a police station canteen. One day, the police ask her to lipread for them and that becomes her big chance to do something meaningful with her life. But… she might be in deeper than she thinks.

You play Alison Woods – how would you describe her, and what was it like playing her?

She’s super nosy, sharp, and never to be underestimated. She plays the role of ‘that deaf girl’ but secretly uses that to her advantage. I loved playing her — it’s fun to be a bit dangerous (safely, of course!).

How did it feel when you got the role?

So exciting – and yes, terrifying. It’s my first lead role, and I felt the pressure to represent the deaf community well. But I had to remind myself: this is my dream, and I’ve worked hard for it. I deserve to enjoy it too.

What are you excited for viewers to see?

How hard lipreading is!

What was filming like? Any standout moments?

Long hours, lots of hard work, and weekends full of line-learning — but I loved every second. Usually, I dip in and out of sets, but this time I was in nearly every scene. It felt like being part of a crew. We had fun, too – played The Traitors, dressed up for Halloween and Christmas… The crew doesn’t get enough credit for the hard work they put into making the show. They’re legends.

ROSE AYLING-ELLIS as Alison Brooks and KIERON MOORE as Liam Barlow in Code of Silence. (Mammoth Screen/ITV)

You also recently starred in Reunion. What’s it like being part of more productions involving deaf actors and characters?

It’s such an exciting time, and what does this mean for the future? I really hope this isn’t a one-off moment – we shouldn’t have to wait years between stories with deaf characters.

What’s been your favourite project to date?

I can’t choose! Code of Silence, Reunion, Doctor Who – all so special in different ways. I love being on set, acting, and just being in that creative space. Also creating children’s books – a lifelong dream!

Who’s been your favourite actor to work with?

I can’t pick just one! Working with actors I admire so much has been a surreal experience. There are moments when I stop and think, ‘Am I really performing with them?’ I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Anne-Marie Duff, Andrew Buchan, Eddie Marsan, Charlotte Ritchie, and David Mitchell – all in just one year. Mad!

Which co-star have you learned the most from?

I’ve learned something from everyone. You just have to. Acting is never about competition – it’s about connection. The more you support each other, the more real the performance. 

Dream role?

Everything and anything! Put me in a cowboy film, drop me in the 70s, let me be a psychopath, or throw me into comedy. But give me the tragic ‘deaf girl gets run over’ storyline. It is a no. We’re so much more than that.

Is there a genre you’d like to do more of?

I’m open to anything with a good story and strong characters. I don’t always have the luxury of choice — I’ll always be cast as the deaf character so it’s the story that matters most.

Anyone you’d love to work with?

Jack Thorne, his work is incredible. I’m always in awe of how impressive his brain is. 

And I know it sounds cliched but… Wes Anderson. I’d love to see how he’d use sign language in his style. 

I want to work with more deaf actors. I’ve had the pleasure of performing with Fifi Garfield, Matthew Gurney, Rolf Choutan, and Cherie Gordon. However, in my 13 years as an actor, it has still been a rare experience. This needs to change.

How do you find balance between personal and work life?

Still figuring it out! I’m not ashamed to say I love a lazy day, staying in and doing nothing. There’s too much pressure, especially on women, to “do it all.” I’m lucky to have friends and family who pull me out when I need it, even if it’s just for a walk or buying a bunch of flowers.

Advice to your 15-year-old self?

Stop worrying so much. Learn to say no. You don’t need to please everyone. It is not ‘polite’ to ignore your discomfort. 

How can we all live a little bit better?

You can be brave and also be vulnerable too. Don’t wait for the ‘perfect’ time — it doesn’t exist. Learn. Ask questions. Stay curious.

You’ve written a children’s book — how was that? Any more coming?

I loved it! Finally, there’s a book I wish I had growing up. And yes, there are more coming – I’ll keep creating books I wish existed for my family when I was little.

Tell us about your documentary and teaching BSL in a retirement home?

It was such an emotional journey. These incredible people thought their learning days were behind them — but they proved that as long as your mind is active, it’s never too late. A real reminder for all of us to keep learning.

Rose Ayling-Ellis Recommends…

I’m tuning into… Hacks on Apple TV

Currently reading… My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

Last thing I watched… Toxic Town on Netflix

Most looking forward to seeing… 1880 That at the Wellcome Collection

Favourite painting… Anything by Chuck Close – love his grid technique

All-time favourite film… Everything Everywhere All at Once

Artist on repeat… The one and only Dolly Parton

Ultimate cultural recommendation… Learn BSL!

Cultural guilty pleasure… Girly classics like Mean Girls, Clueless, Legally Blonde, Wild Child, St Trinian’s. No guilt really – just nostalgia and a reminder of how far we’ve come in the media.

WATCH

Rose Ayling-Ellis stars in Code of Silence, premiering Sunday 18 May on ITV1 and ITVX. 

Reunion is streaming now on BBC iPlayer.