EastEnders Rose Ayling-Ellis turns out to support James Bye on Strictly

Virgin Radio

24 Oct 2022, 07:34

Credit: Getty

The reigning dance champion brought the rest of Albert Square too!

Strictly Come Dancing's reigning champion Rose Ayling-Ellis - who played Frankie Carter in EastEnders until earlier this year - was among the stars past and present from the BBC soap, who showed support for her former Square co-star James Bye, this weekend.

And he needed it too. James – who plays Martin Fowler on the soap – and pro partner Amy Dowden received a middling judges' score of 26 in the end, but they certainly felt the love from the crowd.

Their routine was a foxtrot set to a mix of EastEnders iconic 'Julia's Theme' and its end credits theme.

Amongst the audience members applauding their routine included Rose, plus current EastEnders stars Gillian Wright and Scott Maslen (who himself competed in Strictly back in 2010).

James recently told Virginradio.co.uk in an exclusive chat how his co-stars had supported him through the Strictly process. You can read that here.

The support he received this weekend certainly helped, with James and Amy surviving for another week.

Head judge Shirley Ballas told James in the feedback section: "I can tell that you've got amazing work ethic. I can see that you are working very, very hard.

"Great narrative, lots of warm cuddles at the beginning, I loved the entry for sure."

Anton Du Beke went on to add: "There was a lot to like. The opening was dramatic and beautifully done," before the pair ascended the studio stairs and spoke to co-host Claudia Winkleman.

With the show forming part of the BBCs centenary celebrations, James was keen to pay tribute to Auntie and EastEnders for the kickstart it gave his career.

He said, "Before the BBC gave me a contract and EastEnders took me on, I was struggling with work and stuff – I've got a family and kids you know... so I owe literally everything to EastEnders. So thank you."

Do you think, maybe, when James finally exits the show, it'll be accompanied by a doof doof?