EastEnders star Rita Simons quits the show TWO DAYS after on-screen sister Sam Womack
Rita has played the troubled Roxy Mitchell for nine years and will leave as part of a “dramatic storyline”
EASTENDERS favourite Rita Simons who plays Roxy Mitchell has announced she’s leaving the soap, just days after her onscreen sister Samantha Womack – who plays Ronnie Mitchell also quit.
Rita has played Roxy for over nine years and seen her character go on an emotional rollercoaster with an array of hard hitting storylines.
A BBC spokesperson confirmed the news this afternoon, in a statement which promised a “big storyline.”
"We can confirm that Rita Simons will be leaving EastEnders.
"Having joined the show in 2007, Rita immediately won the hearts of the audience in the role of Roxy Mitchell and between her and Samantha Womack they created one of the most iconic duos EastEnders has ever seen.
“Alongside Samantha, Rita was recently offered to take part in the same big storyline that will see the Mitchell sisters depart Walford, but we will not be releasing any further details at this time.
"We wish Rita all the best for the future."
Shortly after the announcement, Rita tweeted: "Thanku guys 4 all the continued love & support u have shown me (and Roxy) over the years. I'm so grateful for my time on EE. Love to u all."
She added: "As the saying goes 'Mitchell sisters..together forever' @Sam_Womack Haaaaa you're stuck with me sis!"
EastEnder’s fans tweeted their upset at another well-loved character leaving the show.
One viewer said, “I’m gutted you’re both my faves”, while another bluntly put, “EastEnders will suck now.”