Latest news with #RitaSimons
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders legend Samantha Womack hits out at soap bosses who ‘rejected' her
EASTENDERS legend Samantha Womack has hit out at soap bosses who 'rejected' her. The actress was utterly beloved by fans of the BBC One soap when she played the role of Ronnie Mitchell. 6 6 6 Alongside Rita Simons - who played her close sister Roxy Mitchell - she made her debut in EastEnders in July 2007. However, Sean O'Connor took over as the executive producer role from Dominic Treadwell-Collins. He decided to kill off the popular Mitchell sibling duo in a dramatic fashion after Ronnie's second wedding to Jack Branning (Scott Maslen). Now Samantha has admitted that she felt 'rejected' by the new boss, as she admitted that it was not her decision to leave. She told The Mail: "It was really hard for us because it wasn't in our hands. We didn't make the decision to go. "I don't really understand what happened, one producer was leaving and another was coming in, I don't know what went on." Before her time on the soap, Samantha, 52, represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest. However, she admitted that leaving Walford took a toll on her, as she felt like she was losing 'a family.' The actress told the publication: "At the time it felt like bereavement, it felt like losing a family member. It was like losing family and losing stability. "But the thing that was the most painful - and it really was painful - was that me and Rita loved feeling like we belonged there. "Then to be rejected, and I know that's emotional but that's what it was, it hit us both so hard." However, the star admitted that she is now thankful to events in hindsight as it allowed her to do other things. She added: "I do look back now and think, 'God, I could still be there', I would never have moved to Valencia. "I would never have done half the things I've done. I was like getting a barnacle off a rock, I probably needed to be forced off at that time." Since leaving the show, the star has focussed on a career in theatre as she secured a number of high-profile roles. In 2019, she hit the road for a nationwide UK tour of The Girl on the Train. She was also known for her role as Morticia Addams in the UK tour of the musical, The Addams Family. 6 6
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Samantha Womack reveals quitting EastEnders WASN'T her choice as she admits she was 'REJECTED' by BBC bosses
Samantha Womack has opened about leaving EastEnders, revealing she was forced out of the show after being 'rejected' by its directors. The actress, 52, became a fan favourite as the fiery Ronnie Mitchell on the BBC soap opera, having bagged the part in 2007. But after a decade in Walford, Samantha's time on the show came to an abrupt and brutal end in 2017 as Ronnie and her sister Roxy (Rita Simons) were killed off together on Christmas Day. The move was a widely unpopular one, with some EastEnders die-hard fans even choosing to boycott the prime-time soap over the death of the much-loved Mitchell sisters. Now, Samantha has opened up on her EastEnders exit in an interview with MailOnline, revealing she still 'doesn't understand' why her and Rita's characters were killed off. The much-loved siblings were brutally killed off on Christmas Day in 2017 after an accident in a swimming pool (pictured) - Samantha still 'doesn't understand' why fan-favourites Ronnie and Roxy were killed off by BBC producers The mother-of-two said: 'It was really hard for us because it wasn't in our hands. 'We didn't make the decision to go. I don't really understand what happened, one producer was leaving and another was coming in, I don't know what went on. 'At the time it felt like bereavement, it felt like losing a family member. It was like losing family and losing stability. 'But the thing that was the most painful - and it really was painful - was that me and Rita loved feeling like we belonged there, and then to be rejected, and I know that's emotional but that's what it was, it hit us both so hard. 'I do look back now and think, "God, I could still be there", I would never have moved to Valencia, I would never have done half the things I've done. I was like getting a barnacle off a rock, I probably needed to be forced off at that time.' Since leaving EastEnders, Samantha - who shot to fame on EuroVision aged 18 - has made her way into the world of theatre, appearing in a West End production of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe in 2022. But it was during her time playing the White Witch that she was diagnosed with an 'aggressive' form of breast cancer. 'I didn't have any lumps or feel ill,' she said, 'I've never been a doctor person so in the middle of two shows I went for a check-up not expecting to find anything. 'So I went for the ultrasound and there was a little screen on the wall in the doctors' room, looking at it afterwards we saw this little black shadow that wasn't a circle. My step-dad is doctor and I knew that most things natural are circular. Everyone just went quiet. 'In my brain, I did think, "there you are". I do feel like somewhere in our brains, our intuition is important. I've learnt to listen to that voice in my head as it basically saved my life.' Samantha was back in the theatre just hours after her scan, and recalls giving a hectic performance on-stage as the reality of the situation sunk in. 'I hadn't thought the whole thing through, I think we all knew that it was cancer but it hadn't been confirmed yet,' she said. 'I didn't have any time to think about going back to the theatre to do a second show. I was playing the White Witch, and the play's all about life and death and how close those two things are. 'For my entrance, I was lifted into the sky on this machine and all of this snow is coming down, there's cello music playing. I just remember having this moment of floating in all this snow, looking out into all this black space - I couldn't process what was happening. 'It was sinking in on-stage in front of everybody. I was mad that evening, I was doing all kinds of crazy things. In a way I was letting go of everything.' Samantha was later diagnosed with a high grade three form of breast cancer and required chemotherapy in order to recover. The EastEnders star - who was diagnosed in her late 40s - called the treatment 'terrifying' and remembers the 'awful' smell of chemotherapy on her skin, but went on to announce she was cancer-free five months later. Three years on from her recovery and the actress is now working with GenesisCare on their Keep Abreast of your Breast Density campaign to educate women about breast cancer diagnosis. In particular, they're encouraging women to ask vital questions during mammograms about issues such as their breast density. Women with extremely dense breasts are shockingly six times more likely than those with fatty breasts to get breast cancer. 'Cancer-free's a weird term,' Samantha said, 'we all have cancer in our cells all the time, so there's always a chance it can come back. 'To get a proper diagnosis you need proper information. There are four types of breast density, A, B C and D, but if you're extremely dense it's really difficult to spot a tumour. 'There are options though, if there's anything bothering you at any time, you can instigate these investigations on your own. GenesisCare are empowering women to ask the right questions, and they will tell you what your breast density is. 'Early diagnosis is the difference between cancer sounding like a death sentence and like something you can work through.' Samantha says that she's now feeling 'better, calmer and happier' than ever as she enjoys life at her home in Valencia, Spain. She's more picky and 'willing to say no' to opportunities now, but didn't close the door on a possible return to soap television in the UK. 'The fanbase for Ronnie and Roxy is extraordinary,' the actress said. 'They still to this day go loopy when they hear there's any sort of chance we could come back. 'I don't know (how we could come back), the only way is that they could possibly say that we didn't actually die. I don't know. 'It's a big commitment, I know only too well what those working days are like. But I have a strong affection for the show, I love everyone there and I miss everyone there. 'I loved working with Rita, it felt silly, it felt fun, we were controversial, we were naughty.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Huge Hollyoaks star 'QUITS show after two years - and will film final scenes for explosive exit'
A huge Hollyoaks star has reportedly quit the show after just 18 months. Rita Simons, 48, best known for playing EastEnders iconic Roxy Mitchell, joined Hollyoaks in early 2024 as gangster Warren Fox's long-lost ex Marie Fielding. Since her arrival, she's been at the heart of some of the soap's most explosive plots, particularly those involving her villainous sons Abe (Tyler Conti) and Arlo (Dan Hough). Now, Rita has reportedly made the decision to leave the show, with a dramatic exit storyline set to air later this year. A source told The Sun: 'Rita has absolutely loved every second of her time at Hollyoaks and it wasn't an easy decision. 'She moved her entire life to Liverpool two years ago to throw herself into the show, and it's been a great adventure, but the pull of home is just too much. 'London has been calling her, and it's proved difficult to balance a job she loves and her life in London.' The insider added that Channel 4 bosses have been supportive of her decision and have crafted a powerful exit for her character. While Rita is sad to go, she's said to be 'excited' to film the emotional scenes. Rita is expected to shoot her final episodes this summer, with her character's departure airing in the autumn. MailOnline has contacted Channel 4 and Rita's representative for comment. Meanwhile, Hollyoaks is gearing up to mark its 30th anniversary this October with a huge month of celebrations. Show boss Hannah Cheers teased that a signature Hollyoaks stunt is already in the works as she claimed you can't do a Hollyoaks commemoration 'without some kind of spectacle'. She also revealed a huge battle between two Hollyoaks titans will take centre stage for October. Having recently returned from the dead to the village after 12 years, Clare Devine is back, and she's set to clash against serial killer Jez Blake in the run-up to the big anniversary. Rita made a striking entrance into Hollyoaks in early 2024 as Marie Fielding, the turbulent mother of Joel Dexter. Her debut came during a dramatic fight at a gender reveal party, where she crashed into the McQueen family's world by stealing Mercedes' dress and stirring up longstanding tensions. From the outset, her character was announced as a catalyst for chaos - promising trouble across multiple storylines and hinting at hidden motives rooted in her return from prison. Over her time on the show, Marie became embroiled in some of Hollyoaks' most explosive plots: secretive romances (including a complicated connection with Tony Hutchinson), family reckonings, and a dramatic motorcycle crash storyline.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Huge Hollyoaks star quits after two years – and she'll film her final scenes in weeks for explosive exit
A HUGE Hollyoaks star has quit the show after 18 months. Actress Rita Simons joined the Channel 4 soap in early 2024 as gangster Warren Fox's long-lost ex and mother of Joel Dexter. 3 3 3 She's been central to some of the biggest storylines in the show since having to reckon with her villain sons Abe and Arlo. But now Rita has made the decision to leave the show in an explosive storyline that will see her bow out later this year. A source said: 'Rita has absolutely loved every second of her time at Hollyoaks and it wasn't an easy decision. 'She moved her entire life to Liverpool two years ago to throw herself into the show and it's been a great adventure but the pull of home is just too much. 'London has been calling her and it's proved difficult to balance a job she loves and her life in London. 'Bosses were really understanding and they've crafted her an incredible exit storyline so while she's really sad to leave, she's excited to play it out. 'And it's Hollyoaks so no matter what happens the door is always open.' Rita, who also played the iconic Roxy Mitchell in EastEnders, will film her final scenes this summer for them to play out in the autumn. The Channel 4 soap will celebrate its 30th anniversary this October with a huge month of celebrations as well as a trademark stunt. Show boss Hannah Cheers told us: 'You can't do a Hollyoaks commemoration without some kind of spectacle. So there will be a stunt.' Roxy Mitchell returns to EastEnders to 'speak' to Amy Mitchell And more than that Hannah also revealed a huge battle between two Hollyoaks titans will take centre stage for October. Having recently returned from the dead to the village after 12 years, Clare Devine is back and she's set to clash against serial killer Jez Blake in the run up to the big anniversary. From Hollyoaks to Hollywood James Corden played a caretaker in the early days of the soap. The former American TV host doesn't have much positive to say about his time on the soap, claiming it was "hell on earth." Since his short-lived time on the show he has gone on to bigger things including smash hit comedy Gavin and Stacey. Rachel Shenton joined the soap as aspiring glamour model Mitzeee Minniver in 2010. Over two years her character was sent to prison, got pregnant and had a number of romantic affairs. Since leaving Hollyoaks she has won an Oscar for best live action short film, The Silent Child. Rachel has also starred in White Gold and All Creatures Great and Small Emmett J. Scanlan played gangster turned anti-hero Brendan Brady. Emmett played the love interest of Steve Hayes, with their romance delighting fans until it turned violent. Since his departure Emmett has appeared in Peaky Blinders, The Fall, Gangs of London and even appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy Emma Rigby joined Hollyoaks when she was 15 as Hannah Ahsworth. Hannah's eating disorder storyline was the first of it's kind on TV while other plots included being caught in a fire, gangland drug dealing and running away. Since leaving the soap in 2010 Emma has gone on to star in ABCs Once Upon a Time in Wonderland as the Red Queen. Other roles include guest appearances in Death In Paradise, Ripper Street and Fresh Meat Nico Mirallegro got his big break with Hollyoaks starring as emo Barry 'Newt' Newton. Nico's main storyline in the soap was developing schizophrenia which culminated in a suicide pact. He left the soap in 2010 and went on to star in My Mad Fat Diary, Our Girl, Rillington Place, The Ark and Common, Penance, as well as the Mike Leigh movie Peterloo and was nominated for a Bafta for his role in period drama The Village. Ricky Whittle used Hollyoaks as a stepping stone to break America. He played one of the soap's resident hunks, Calvin Valentine, from 2006 to 2011 - when he was killed off at his wedding. After leaving the soap Ricky cracked America starring in teen drama The 100 and America Gods. He also appeared in Strictly Come Dancing in 2009. Warren Brown joined Hollyoaks in 2005 for a year as evil Andy Holt. His stint on the show consisted of date rape storylines and a crime spree, before eventually being killed off. After leaving Hollyoaks, Warren became a big hitter in TV playing DS Justin Ripley in Luther, as well as major roles in a number of dramas including Liar, The Responder, Homefront and Good Cop. Wallis Day played Holly Cunningham in the soap for years before leaving. In 2021 Wallis won the role of Batwoman in DC's series, taking over from Ruby Rose. 'Well, yes, obviously we've got two kind of Hollyoaks titans here,' Hannah added. 'We've got kind of very iconic Hollyoaks faces. And it's not an accident that they are both in the show in the run up to the 30th anniversary.'
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Huge Hollyoaks star quits after two years – and she'll film her final scenes in weeks for explosive exit
A HUGE Hollyoaks star has quit the show after 18 months. Actress Rita Simons joined the Channel 4 soap in early 2024 as gangster Warren Fox's long-lost ex and mother of Joel Dexter. Advertisement 3 Rita Simons has quit Hollyoaks after two years Credit: Lime Pictures 3 Rita has played Marie since 2024 after signing up for the soap in 2023 Credit: LIME PICTURES 3 Marie's two villain sons have caused chaos and misery in the village Credit: LIME PICTURES She's been central to some of the biggest storylines in the show since having to reckon with her villain sons Abe and Arlo. But now Rita has made the decision to leave the show in an explosive storyline that will see her bow out later this year. A source said: 'Rita has absolutely loved every second of her time at Hollyoaks and it wasn't an easy decision. 'She moved her entire life to Liverpool two years ago to throw herself into the show and it's been a great adventure but the pull of home is just too much. Advertisement Read more on Hollyoaks 'London has been calling her and it's proved difficult to balance a job she loves and her life in London . 'Bosses were really understanding and they've crafted her an incredible exit storyline so while she's really sad to leave, she's excited to play it out. 'And it's Hollyoaks so no matter what happens the door is always open.' Rita, who also played the iconic Roxy Mitchell in EastEnders, will film her final scenes this summer for them to play out in the autumn . Advertisement Most read in Soaps Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler The Channel 4 soap will celebrate its 30th anniversary this October with a huge month of celebrations as well as a trademark stunt. Show boss Hannah Cheers told us: 'You can't do a Hollyoaks commemoration without some kind of spectacle. So there will be a stunt.' Roxy Mitchell returns to EastEnders to 'speak' to Amy Mitchell And more than that Hannah also revealed a huge battle between two Hollyoaks titans will take centre stage for October. Having recently returned from the dead to the village after 12 years, Clare Devine is back and she's set to clash against serial killer Jez Blake in the run up to the big anniversary. Advertisement From Hollyoaks to Hollywood James Corden played a caretaker in the early days of the soap. The former Since his short-lived time on the show he has gone on to bigger things including smash hit comedy Rachel Shenton joined the soap as aspiring glamour model Mitzeee Minniver in 2010. Over two years her character was sent to prison, got pregnant and had a number of romantic affairs. Since leaving Hollyoaks she has won an Rachel has also starred in White Gold and All Creatures Great and Small Emmett J. Scanlan played gangster turned anti-hero Brendan Brady. Emmett played the love interest of Steve Hayes, with their romance delighting fans until it turned violent. Since his departure Emmett has appeared in Emma Rigby joined Hollyoaks when she was 15 as Hannah Ahsworth. Hannah's eating disorder storyline was the first of it's kind on TV while other plots included being caught in a fire, gangland drug dealing and running away. Since leaving the soap in 2010 Nico Mirallegro got his big break with Hollyoaks starring as emo Barry 'Newt' Newton. He left the soap in 2010 and went on to star in My Mad Fat Diary, Our Girl, Rillington Place, The Ark and Common, Penance, as well as the Mike Leigh movie Peterloo and was nominated for a Bafta for his role in period drama The Village. Ricky Whittle used Hollyoaks as a stepping stone to break America. He played one of the soap's resident hunks, Calvin Valentine, from 2006 to 2011 - when he was killed off at his wedding. He also appeared in Strictly Come Dancing in 2009. Warren Brown joined Hollyoaks in 2005 for a year as evil Andy Holt. His stint on the show consisted of date rape storylines and a crime spree, before eventually being killed off. After leaving Hollyoaks, Warren became a big hitter in TV playing DS Justin Ripley in Luther, as well as major roles in a number of dramas including Liar, Wallis Day played Holly Cunningham in the soap for years before leaving. In 2021 'Well, yes, obviously we've got two kind of Hollyoaks titans here,' Hannah added. 'We've got kind of very iconic Hollyoaks faces. And it's not an accident that they are both in the show in the run up to the 30th anniversary.'
