Ayling-Ellis is best known for playing Frankie Lewis in EastEnders, a role she has had since last year.

She has also appeared in TV shows such as Casualty and Summer Of Rockets and has been in several stage productions.

The 26-year-old actor, who was the 12th celebrity to be confirmed for the line-up, will be the first deaf contestant on Strictly.

When the news was announced Ayling-Ellis said keeping quiet about taking part had been the “hardest secret” she had ever had to keep.