EastEnders' star Rose Ayling-Ellis was all smiles as she received an honorary doctorate from the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in London on Monday.
The actress, 30, was recognised for her outstanding achievements both in acting and for raising awareness of the deaf community.
Rose previously graduated from the institution herself back in 2016 with a first-class BA honours degree in Fashion Design.
She went on to find fame on EastEnders and Casualty before winning Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 - and was notably the first deaf contestant to do so.
Rose said in her acceptance speech: 'I really am very honoured to receive this, especially from the very University that I graduated from.
'Work hard and enjoy the ride. Congratulations to all of us.'
EastEnders' star Rose Ayling-Ellis, 30, was all smiles as she received an honorary doctorate from the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in London on Monday
The actress, 30, was recognised for her outstanding achievements both in acting and for raising awareness of the deaf community
Rose previously graduated from the institution herself back in 2016 with a first-class BA honours degree in Fashion Design
As well as her acting achievements, Rose has recently fulfilled her dream of becoming a children's author, publishing her first sign language children's books earlier this year.
News of Rose's honorary degree comes after she wrote an emotional message to her fans after ITV confirmed the future of the hit crime drama she stars in, Code Of Silence.
The show, which stars the former EastEnders actress, burst onto screens earlier this year to much fanfare.
It saw Rose play deaf worker Alison Woods, who works in both a police canteen and a local bar while caring for her deaf mother to make ends meet.
Woods then becomes key to a police investigation when she translates a criminal gang's conversations as she finds herself drawn to one of the main suspects.
Kieron Moore, Charlotte Ritchie, Andrew Buchan, Nathan Armarkwei Laryea, Joe Absolom, and Fifi Garfield also starred in the first series.
Following a nail-biting finale, ITV has confirmed that Code of Silence will return for a second series.
The broadcaster also revealed a whopping 7.5 million viewers tuning into the first episode alone on TV, while over 20 million streams have been recorded across the full box set on ITVX.
ITV has finally confirmed the fate of Code Of Silence after its booming ratings as lead star Rose Ayling Ellis penned an emotional statement to viewers
Following a nail-biting finale, ITV has confirmed that Code of Silence will return for a second series
In an emotional statement to fans, Rose confirmed she will reprise her role, writing: 'I'm so proud that Code of Silence has been recommissioned.
'The response to the first series has been incredible, and it means so much to be part of a drama that not only keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, but also puts a Deaf character at the heart of the story.
'I'm really excited to see where Alison's journey goes next and to be working again with the wonderful cast, crew and creative team behind the show.'
Development on the second series has kicked off, with ITV planning to begin filming next year, meaning fans will have a lengthy wait before they can enjoy new episodes.
ITV's drama commissioner, Callum Dziedzic, said: 'We are unbelievably proud of Code of Silence, and it's been a joy seeing audiences embrace it - especially their love for the skilful, headstrong, and effortlessly loveable Alison.
'Rose brings her to life with real charm and depth, and Catherine's brilliant concept gave her the perfect world to step into. We can't wait to share another gripping case, with Alison's talents and perspective delivering a thriller that's pulse-pounding, distinctive, and like nothing else on TV.'
