March 27, 2025
The ‘EastEnders’ star speaks to Doctor Who Magazine about her upcoming role in Season 2…
Among the names confirmed to join the Doctor and Belinda in the new season of Doctor Who is Rose Ayling-Ellis, star of EastEnders and the winner of Strictly Come Dancing in 2021.
Ahead of her appearance in Season 2 episode The Well, Doctor Who Magazine spoke to Rose about joining the cast, and how the role of Aliss was adjusted in the story for a deaf actor – read an exclusive excerpt below.
The new issue of Doctor Who Magazine is on sale now. You can order here.
Rose Ayling-Ellis on Aliss:
“I really loved the character of Aliss. It was never written as a deaf person in the first place. That’s what made it exciting: it became about the character but still, it makes sense for her to be deaf… The people coming in are all hearing – so there’s always that little sense of distrust in people. Deaf people really know what it feels like to not be included in conversation all the time. And that builds up her frustration more and more.
That’s why I think Aliss trusts the Doctor straight away, because he signs to her. He’s meeting her halfway; he’s going into her world to communicate with her. So, you automatically build that trust.”
Find out more in the latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine here.
Included with this issue:
- 2 exclusive art cards
- A 32-page supplement collecting Russell T Davies’ DWM production notes on the 2005 series
Also in the magazine:
- PREVIEWS OF THE FIRST THREE EPISODES OF THE NEW SEASON! Including contributions from writers RUSSELL T DAVIES & SHARMA ANGEL-WALFALL, director PETER HOAR and executive producer PHIL COLLINSON – plus the adventures of MR RING-A-DING!
- Slow Horses star CHRISTOPHER CHUNG on playing Cassio Palin-Paleen in The Well.
- The second part of our special feature looking back at the return of Doctor Who in 2005…
Russell T Davies, Julie Gardner, Jane Tranter talk Daleks, BAFTAs and babies…
Plus – STEVEN MOFFAT & MARK GATISS on their debut stories…
- Behind the scenes on the new animated release of First Doctor story The Savages.
- With Varada Sethu stepping aboard the TARDIS, we take a look at the essential qualities needed to be a Doctor Who companion.
- Elisabeth Sladen’s daughter SADIE MILLER joins us for a very special tribute to the companion they have both played – the much-loved Sarah Jane Smith.
- We consider the alternative path taken in Doctor Who In An Exciting Adventure With the Daleks.
- Gary Gillatt takes us on a very special trip to the pictures…
- Back to 2000… We look back at Tom Baker’s role in the resurrected Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased).
- We examine the decisions that lie behind the 2010-episode, Amy's Choice.
- Join the Fifteenth Doctor on his further travels in the comic strip!
Regular features:
- Gallifrey Guardian – our news round-up including the latest casting for this year’s episodes.
- Shelf Life – featuring reviews of the latest audio releases.
- Other Worlds – the essential guide to new stories in Doctor Who’s expanded universe.
- Prizes to be won including The Savages Blu-ray Steelbook!
The new issue of Doctor Who Magazine is on sale now. You can order here.
