"Have to sort of be realistic": Code of Silence star Rose Ayling-Ellis justifies her character's heartbreaking decision in the crime drama's ending

Created by Catherine Moulton, Code of Silence, is a British crime drama show featuring Rose Ayling-Ellis, Kieron Moore, and others. The series has one season so far and premiered in May 2025.

Code of Silence revolves around Alison Woods (Ayling-Ellis), who is a deaf canteen worker at a police station. The show is set in Canterbury and when Woods is brought in to help the police on a case due to her ability to do lip reading, the young woman finds her purpose in life.

In the first season of the show, Alison begins to do undercover work and keeps tabs on the police as they investigate a jewel heist. However, her life turns upside down when she falls in love with Liam Barlow (Moore), who is the main suspect in the robbery case.

Code of Silence is gritty and raw and has plenty of twists and turns. And one of the most viral moments occurs towards the end of the season. Here’s what the show’s star has to say about the twisted finale.

Code of Silence star Rose Ayling-Ellis on why her character went ahead with a heartbreaking decision in the show’s finale

Towards the end of the series, Alison and Liam confront their truths and Liam asks Alison to run away with him. However, Alison chooses to stay. This action has disappointed a few fans as the chemistry between the two lead actors was undeniable and many viewers were invested in their romantic story. In an interview with Screen Rant, Ayling-Ellis maintains that the decision had to be taken rationally.

“I know a lot of our audience watching it here in the UK were like, 'No, Alison, why did you make that choice?' I kind of agree…but then at the same time, there is a balance of running away with the fantasy or being realistic. And sometimes you have to sort of be realistic, because, yeah, the bad boy is fun for a little while, but is it a career? I mean, I think she [Alison] is very realistic... And then Liam's character is not that realistic. He's kind of like 'go for it!' It's the balance of them two. I don't want to spoil it, but the ending...it's good, because it's kind of like, sometimes we need to be realistic. We can't just run off into fairyland, you know what I mean?”

The actress therefore mentions that her character Alison Woods’ choice reflects the grounded nature of her character and Alison’s need to be stable and realistic in life.

How this decision could affect the later seasons of Code of Silence

While news of when the second season of Code of Silence will be released, has not been confirmed yet, the show has definitely been renewed. Therefore, Alison’s decision to stay back broadens her character’s prospects.

Alison finally found her meaning in life when she began to do undercover work for the police. And therefore, her decision to stay back and advance in her career makes sense. Alison now has a chance to prove her worth and become a professional forensic lip-reader.

There could be even more twists and turns in the second season and Liam could make a comeback into Alison’s life. Therefore, fans of the show should await the next installment of Code of Silence.

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The show is available on BritBox.

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