Rita Simons has spoken about exit from EastEnders, her very close relationship with Sam Womack and whether or not she'd appear in another soap

Departing EastEnders actor Rita Simons has said she has a 'huge loyalty' to the show, even after her character was killed off.

But after almost a decade playing half of the Mitchell sisters duo, she did not rule out the possibility of joining another soap.

In a dramatic New Year’s Day episode, her character Roxy drowned in a swimming pool, shortly followed by her sister Ronnie (played by Samantha Womack), who jumped in to save her.

After her final episode was broadcast, Essex-born Rita, 39, said: “I would never say never, but my heart is probably always going to be with EastEnders.

“It’s such a massive part of my life and I do love that place... Honestly, I have a huge loyalty to EastEnders at the moment.”

After becoming best friends with Sam on the set, she described filming the pair’s deaths as similar to losing a real sister.

“We are ridiculously close, we are like one person,” she said. ”We speak to each other multiple times a day and I know her every movement and she knows mine.

“I am going to miss not having her in my dressing room… she has been with me the whole time… and I do believe we will work together again one day.”

But Rita added that the end of her 10-year stint on the show would allow her to pursue other projects, such as a comedy or gritty drama.

Speaking about being cut from EastEnders, she said: “It’s always quite difficult in a soap because you’re never quite sure when you’ve outstayed your welcome and when it’s time to go, and I do believe it was the right time to go.

“That doesn’t make it any easier but, as an actor, 10 years in a soap, I was ready to go out and try other things.

“My passions are TV and film and there are so many things I would love to do – a comedy, maybe something gangster and gritty.

“I would even love to do a few episodes of (dark US drama) Ray Donovan. We’ve got a few Brits branching out into some of these box sets, which is brilliant.”

After a busy pantomime season starring in Snow White in St Albans, Rita is set to return to the stage in August for a year-long touring production of Legally Blonde.

She has also been using her new-found freedom to do more charity work.

This week she will be taking over pop-up swap-shop Zeek in west London’s Westfield Stratford, taking in people’s unwanted Christmas gift cards to raise money for the Children’s Trust.

As devastated Jack prepares to bid farewell to wife Ronnie, will he manage to go through with his final goodbye to her?

After losing Ronnie, the love of his life, and having to deal with her sister Roxy's death, too, Jack will have to muster all his strength to try and cope at their funerals in EastEnders.

Understandably, emotions are high all around Albert Square at this time and certain residents are having to keep their real feelings to themselves. With all the grief and tension, will the Mitchell sisters get the send-off they deserve?

A grief-stricken Jack does all he can to hold it together as he stands by wife Ronnie's graveside – but will he remain strong?

A grief-stricken Jack does all he can to hold it together as he stands by wife Ronnie's graveside – but will he remain strong?

Beforehand, Jack tells a concerned Dot and Glenda that he's coping in the run-up to the funerals…

Trying to do the best he can by Ronnie and her sister, Roxy, Jack asks Phil to say a few words on the sad day. Will temperamental Phil agree?

As the grim day arrives, everyone gathers and waits for Jack…

Life will never be the same for the sisters' grieving loved ones as they try and come to terms with the double death…

Distraught Jack pays his respects and says goodbye to his wife for the last time. How will he and children cope?

The sisters' mum Glenda loses it as son Danny comforts her…

At the cemetery, Phil and Sharon contemplate a future without Ronnie and Roxy…

Later on, after an emotional day, Glenda drops a bombshell on Jack. Will the widower be able to cope with much more and what has Glenda said? Watch EastEnders on BBC1 on Monday, January 16

Sam Womack and Rita Simons have reacted to their on-screen deaths in EastEnders, while their co-stars have paid heartfelt tributes

EastEnders cast members have rallied around their co-stars Sam Womack and Rita Simon, whose characters Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell died in a swimming pool tragedy on New Year's Day.

Sam said in a tweet after the episode screened on Sunday night, she was 'honestly broken' and called their deaths an 'appropriate end to the darkest year ever'.

But while Sam was in bits at the Mitchell girls' deaths, her on-screen partner Scott Maslen (Jack Branning) said it was sad times, but he loved working with the actresses.

Meanwhile, Jake Wood, who has just returned to EastEnders as Max Branning, called the women 'amazingly talented'.

Danny Dyer, who plays Mick Carter, said their relationship was 'on screen chemistry personnified' and they were 'two beautifully complex EastEnders icons'.

Ominously, a clearly upset Rita Simons (Roxy Mitchell) said: "I really don't have words right now. But words will come.."

BBC1 delivered a double helping of New Year's Day shocks with the dramatic exits of the Mitchell sisters and Mary Watson... and fans struggled to cope

TV viewers will be much more conscious of water safety in swimming pools after dramatic scenes in both EastEnders and Sherlock on New Year's Day!

Albert Square was the scene of the first pool drama, with both Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell drowning.

The pair had headed off to the pool to have some time together on Ronnie’s wedding day, but things took a terrible turn when Roxy dived in and failed to re-emerge.

Ronnie then went in after her, and she too drowned.

EastEnders fans were traumatised at the shocking ending to the Mitchell sisters’ story, although it had been known that actresses Samantha Womack and Rita Simons were leaving the soap.

And then it tipped it over the edge when Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) also found himself in trouble in the water.

The sleuth was investigating a mystery surrounding busts of Margaret Thatcher, and found himself up against a villain in a swimming pool.

The pair tussled in the water for some minutes, and fans just could not cope with any more...

Luckily, Sherlock made it out OK. At least that’s one out of three.

Harsh words are shared when Roxy suspects Jack is cheating on sister Ronnie in EastEnders

These are difficult times for Roxy: Jack, the father of her daughter, is about to marry her sister and head out of Walford, taking young Amy with her.

What's more, Roxy suspects – wrongly – that there's something go on between Jack and Honey, and tells Ronnie. Has she wrecked her sister's chance of happiness?

Having spied Jack and Honey having a furtive conversation recently, Roxy can't help but feel suspicious about the pair

Spotting them looking close again, Roxy's suspicions grow

When Roxy tries to explain her feelings about Amy to Jack, he accuses her of not wanting Ronnie to be happy

When Roxy tries to explain her feelings about Amy to Jack, he accuses her of not wanting Ronnie to be happy

Taken aback, Roxy then tells Ronnie she thinks Jack and Honey are having an affair, leading Ronnie to confront Jack

Will Jack realise that it's Roxy who has stirred up trouble for him?

Meanwhile, there are more problems for Roxy when she faces awkward questions from Amy. Is Roxy's world about to fall apart? Watch EastEnders on BBC1 from Monday, December 5

EastEnders have started filming their Christmas episodes and Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell are included… But reports suggest they won’t see much of the New Year. Could that be because of Dean Wicks?

We know Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell (Sam Womack and Rita Simons) are due to make a dramatic exit from Albert Square and fans have been wondering if they will even make it to Christmas.

Well, a paper says that EastEnders Christmas episodes will feature the Mitchell sisters.

The cast and crew of the BBC soap have been spotted filming Walford’s nativity and Ronnie and Roxy are in the scenes, the Mirror says.

And reports also suggest that they won’t have a happy New Year.

That is when Ronnie and Roxy are expected to be killed off, in an action-packed, special New Year’s Eve episode. Will it feature Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo)?

And will Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick), now running Les Coker’s funeral business, have to arrange the burial of Ronnie and Roxy?

Scenes were also reportedly being shot at the graveside of Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor), who died in May.

Is that because they’re getting ready to put Ronnie and Roxy in the ground, close to family?

An EastEnders source has confirmed that Ronnie and Roxy will have an “unmissable exit”.

And a permanent one, if the reports are to be believed. They will be dead Enders.

We know Ronnie and Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) are planning to wed but we don’t think that turns to tragedy…

One dramatic ending would be for Ronnie’s criminal past could catch up with her. She did murder Carl White, remember?

Or… Rapist Dean could return…

Dean walked free from court after his trial for attempting to rape Roxy and his dad, Buster (Karl Howman), paid him to disappear.

But will Dean be able to stay away from all the people he feels have wronged him: Roxy, Ronnie, mum Shirley (Linda Henry) and Linda (Kellie Bright), who he did rape?

Will Dean return to punish them – and will Ronnie and Roxy die punishing him after the courts failed to?

EastEnders continues on BBC1, Monday, October 17, 8.00pm.

EastEnders characters Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell are to be 'killed off' in a dramatic storyline at the end of this year, according to reports.

Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell are set to be killed off in an explosive exit later this year, according to The Sun.

The sisters will reportedly meet their end during a sensational action-packed New Year's Eve EastEnders special.

Rita Simons (Roxy) and Samantha Womack (Ronnie) arrived on the Square back in 2007, and their characters have been through a lot in their nine years on the show.

Viewers have watched the sisters struggle with their difficult relationship with father Archie, and the pair's relationship was repeatedly tested when Roxy slept with her sister’s partners Jack Branning and Charlie Cotton.

Samantha’s character Ronnie has been at the centre of some of the soap’s most harrowing storylines. They include two murders, the admission that she was raped by her father and the tragic cot death of her son, James, in 2011.

In an interview, Samantha admitted that the cot death storyline gave her “the most horrific four weeks of my life”.

Last month, Samantha thanked fans for their support after the news of their shock exit hit headlines.

Writing to her fans on her Twitter account, the actress said: "Thank you SO much for all your kind words about me leaving EE.

"It's so humbling to know you loved Ronnie as much as I did! Very grateful Xxx"

Rita later added: "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."

In August, an EastEnders spokesperson said: “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.”

Other upcoming exits on EastEnders are reported to include Masood Ahmed, Les and Pam Coker, Lee Carter and Babe Smith.

When it comes to man trouble, Roxy Mitchell has had more than her fair share in EastEnders over the years.

She's even shared some of her sister Ronnie's boyfriends (without Ronnie's prior knowledge, of course), with Ronnie's current squeeze, Jack, being the father of Roxy's daughter, Amy. Roxy's not exactly been a model mum recently, but vows to change her ways. Maybe a new romance would help her keep on the straight and narrow?

Jack's not been too impressed with Roxy of late, so he isn't letting her be a part of Amy's life. But it looks like her wayward behaviour hasn't put Jack's friend Andy off… 

Builder Andy's getting more and more airtime on EastEnders since he joined a few months back, and it even looked like he was more intereted in Ronnie, being the prime suspect for her mystery stalker. But now it's Roxy he's turned his attention to.

But will Roxy be interested in him after her traumatic rape experience at the hands of Dean? Or has he had his chips?

Find out in EastEnders on BBC1 from Monday, May 30

EastEnders' Roxy Mitchell has not been acting herself during the past few weeks, and the bubbly girl we're used to has disappeared. Is the trauma caused by Dean Wicks still affecting her so deeply?

She’s been very mysterious about what she’s been up to during the last four months that she’s been absent from the Square… 

After Roxy leaves The Vic, Linda Carter follows her and tries to get her to open up about Dean, knowing how much talking can help. But will Roxy listen?

Ronnie Mitchell seems to have her work cut out at the moment reasoning with people, talking and listening to them. Is she the Square's new agony aunt?! This time Andy Flynn gets the Ronnie treatment… But why is the builder storming off? He doesn’t seem in the best of moods.

Ronnie finally gets Andy to stop, although he does so reluctantly. The pair have had quite a good rapport so far, but it doesn’t look like he’s convinced by what she’s saying. Maybe she’s trying to find out more about him! We don’t know a lot amount about Andy – he seems to be a cheerful, straight-up guy, but is he really as he seems? Ronnie may do well to put some distance between herself and him...

Meanwhile, Roxy returns to Ronnie’s and the sisters sit down and have a serious chat. Is Roxy finally opening up to Ronnie about where's she’s been and what she’s been up to, or is she still withholding the truth?

Find out on EastEnders on BBC1 from Monday, May 23

Evil rapist Dean finally snaps – but who will he hurt this time?

Is nasty Ronnie Mitchell about to get her comeuppance?

If there's one thing Ronnie detests more than Dean, it's the thought of EastEnders' twisted hairdresser being in a relationship with her sis, Roxy.

Mick's not planning to send his loathed younger brother a Christmas card either, but when he and Ronnie joined forces to get shot of Dean before Bonfire Night, the result was a damp squib. Now Dean and Roxy are planning to leave London, so Ronnie knows it's time to up her game – or face losing Roxy for good.

Roxy's plan to move away forces Ronnie into a rethink. Seemingly accepting the idea, she asks Roxy if she can buy her share of the house – then slips Billy the keys to Blades…

The next morning, Dean arrives at the salon and discovers there's been a break-in. He realises there's more to the burglary than meets the eye, but is then backed into a corner by Ronnie and forced to pop the question to Roxy – who accepts his proposal!

To Dean and Roxy's surprise, Ronnie turns up at their engagement celebrations full of apologies for her earlier behaviour. But whose bag is that she's rummaging through?

It's clear Ronnie is up to no good when she sends a furtive text – but from whose phone?

Could it be a coincidence that, moments later, Dean receives a text?

Someone's clearly playing games. Dangerous games. But will Ronnie's plan to get rid of Dean work?

Later, the pair meet up at The Albert, where the scene is set for a dramatic showdown. Has Ronnie finally got the better of her rival? Or has the crafty crimper got one final trick up his sleeve?

Watch all the drama unfold on EastEnders, BBC1, from Monday, November 9

We know Roxy Mitchell has been having fun and frolics with bad boy Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo) in EastEnders, and that her big sis, Ronnie, isn't happy about her choice of bloke (it's better than Charlie, Ronnie's husband, surely).

So when Ronnie (Samantha Womack) discovers Roxy's been telling fibs about ending it with the dodgy hairdresser, there's yet another Mitchell confrontation in store. But will Roxy (Rita Simons) convince her controlling sibling that she's ended the fling and ditched Dean or is a doubting Ronnie about to come up with another cunning plan?

After Roxy had reassured concerned sister Ronnie that she had dumped loverboy Dean, Ronnie is on to her when she recognises a new top Roxy's wearing - the very same that she spotted Dean buying at the market earlier that day!

Unwilling to let Roxy off the hook, Ronnie confronts her about her lies and ongoing affair with Dean. As a result, Roxy's forced into admitting that she's still seeing him. Given Ronnie's reputation for getting rid of folk she doesn't like, what has she got planned for Dean?

After rowing with Roxy, and then apologising, Ronnie puts on the charm and pretends she's fine about the couple. She even invites the dark and moody Dean to dinner to put things right, which he thinks is promising... until she warns him not to hurt Roxy. Or else! 

But a fuming Dean is well aware of Ronnie's devious meddling, having accidentally discovered her CCTV set-up at home, and decides it's time that her trusting little sis is told all about Ronnie's sneaky snooping. Will Roxy believe him?

As Dean snaps when Roxy defends her sister and blurts out paranoid Ronnie's method of keeping tabs on Roxy, little do the pair realise that the CCTV is still in operation and Ronnie is keeping tabs on the pair and all that's being said.

How will Ronnie handle the revelation? But more to the point, how will riled Roxy react when she confronts her sister over her spying?

Roxy knows Ronnie is capable of some underhand ways, but this shock revelation could wreck their relationship for good. Will Ronnie come to regret her I-Spy antics and will husband Charlie find out, too, now it's out in the open?

When Roxy confronts Ronnie about her prying and controlling actions, how will Ronnie explain herself? Or is it too late to even try? This could be the end of the road for the sisters' already rocky relationship...

Watch the drama play out on EastEnders on BBC1 from Monday, August 10.

No! Are EastEnders writers going to make Ronnie (Sam Womack) lose another baby? It certainly looks that way… And she’s definitely losing husband Charlie.

Charlie Cotton’s final scenes are currently being filmed and cameras caught the Enders’ drama at a train station, with Charlie carrying Matthew, and Roxy (Rita Simons) dragging a massive pink suitcase.

So, is this how Declan Bennett’s character will be written out after 18 months on the Square, playing nasty Nick’s good/bad son?

EastEnders and Declan confirmed his exit from the soap recently, with Declan tweeting: “Sayonara Eastenders. It’s been a right ride. Much love to all of u for the well wishes. See you on the flip side.”

But no one at Enders is giving anything else away.

Here’s what we know, though… Vincent (Richard Blackwood) wants Ronnie, no matter what he tells Kim (Tameka Empson). Charlie has tried to want Ronnie, but he had that fling with Roxy - when Ronnie was in a coma - and we think that, mixed with Vincent’s menacing presence, will make Charlie decide to leave.

We think Ronnie and Vincent are going to get mixed up in something very dangerous - and Charlie will run with Matthew to protect his son and himself.

There’s no sign of Roxy’s daughter, Amy, and we don’t think Roxy would leave her behind, so we don’t think Roxy goes with him. She might even be trying to talk Charlie out of leaving.

But Charlie definitely goes, as viewers will see in September.

That means Ronnie’s in for some more heartbreak… Unless her dangerous liaison with Vincent means she won’t live to grieve the loss of another child.

EastEnders continues on BBC1, Monday, July 27, 8.00pm.

EastEnders star Sgane Richie has admitted that his screen alter ego Alfie Moon is left torn between fiance Roxy and his ex Kat - and that his heart is no longer in his forthcoming wedding.

Speaking to the Mirror ahead of the dramatic scenes, which are set to air next week, Shane said that Alfie will face some tough decisions after sharing a passionate kiss with Kat on his stag night.

"Alfie believes it was the drink, so he tells her it shouldn’t have happened and she resigns herself to the fact that there is no future with Alfie," the actor explained.

"We don’t even know if she’s going to turn up at the wedding or not.

"He tells Roxy what he’s done and she forgives him and says it speaks volumes that he is there to marry her. Just as he’s about to say “I do”, there’s a noise at the back of the church and Kat walks in with Tommy. They look at each other but neither of them say anything, so he goes through with it."

Shane added that it had been a 'real honour' to be part of such a strong storyline.

"You can only play that when you’ve been in the show as long as we have," the 49-year-old admitted.

"I’ve spent the best part of a year working with Rita Simons (Roxy), and it brought something new to the table. But in the end, people want Kat and Alfie."

And Shane - who will front new BBC gameshow Reflex in the New Year - added that he hoped to be part of the Walford gang for a while yet.

"I can’t see myself leaving, as long as they let me out to do things like the gameshow," he said.

"And I like playing Alfie – he’s not an alpha male, he cries and wears his heart on his sleeve, so I love that."

Rita Simons reveals to Soaplife that Ronnie’s return forces Alfie to take desperate measures to save his relationship with Roxy in EastEnders…

What does it mean to Roxy to have Ronnie back?

“Everything. Roxy’s dad was murdered, she’s lost her Aunty Peggy, her mother, her brother… and even her mate Christian has abandoned her. Part of the reason she’s so addicted to Alfie is that she just wants a family. So to have Ronnie back - family and her best friend - means the world.”

But she’s sneaking behind Alfie’s back to see Ronnie. That’s not good…

“Alfie’s very trusting when he shouldn’t be because, actually, Roxy’s having an affair with her sister, so to speak. She’s more loyal to Ronnie, but she isn’t ready to admit that to herself.”

Has it been a strain keeping the relationship with Ronnie a secret?

“It’s been killing her. Roxy can’t bear how Kat made a mug of Alfie, and she doesn’t want to do it to him, too. She’s plucking up courage to tell him…”

But then Alfie finds out…

“Michael sees them together and he tells Alfie. Roxy’s in the middle of a conversation with Alfie when she gets a text from Ronnie saying, ‘He knows’. All hell breaks loose. Roxy’s sobbing like a baby because she thinks she’s being slung out, but Alfie finally tells her: ‘I’m not leaving you, but we are going away to get back on track’. And off they go. Roxy reluctantly agrees to leave her phone behind so Ronnie can’t get in touch.”

What’s in store for them when they come back?

“I know what happens but, from an outsider’s point of view, I’d say their relationship is doomed. The love affair is between Kat and Alfie and everyone knows it. Roxy will cling on, but I don’t see it working.”

But is Alfie's heart really in it - and will Kat ruin Roxy's happiness?

EastEnders' Alfie Moon is set to get all romantic after holding a charity speed-dating event at the pub - and asks Roxy Mitchell to marry him.

Roxy (Rita Simons) is worried when she discovers Alfie's decree nisi has come through, meaning his marriage to Kat is officially over, but he hasn't told her.

Always one for big romantic gestures, Alfie (Shane Richie) organises a surprise candlelit dinner for Roxy and tells her he is now officially a single man again, and asks her to marry him.

But Roxy is wracked with doubts that Alfie may still have feelings for Kat (Jessie Wallace), so viewers must wait to find out if she accepts his proposal.

Shane and Jessie have both hinted Kat and Alfie will get back together by the end of the year, and even EastEnders' executive producer Lorraine Newman hinted: "Hopefully they'll be getting back together. It's a great love story, we'd be foolish not to."

The speed-dating evening and Alfie's marriage proposal will screen on EastEnders on Tuesday, July 16 and Thursday, 18.

Alfie's wife sees red – then falls into the arms of her ex…

Kat tries to hide away at home, depressed about the divorce but Bianca persuades Kat to join her on the stall. When Kat collects Tommy from the Vic, she's angry when Alfie says Tommy is ill and needs to stay with him. Roxy agrees with Alfie and it's too much for Kat, who snaps and slaps her twice! As Roxy flies at Kat, Michael and Alfie separate them. Michael takes Kat home and when she leans in for a kiss, he responds...

Lola kicks Phil's door when she's late to see Lexi and he won't let her in. Lola confides in Sharon, saying it would have been better to have Lexi in foster care, Sharon has a word with Phil, asking him to give Lola a break. Sharon is proud when Lola later apologises to Phil for losing it and promises she'll do everything right from now on to be a good mum. Phil isn't impressed.

Carol is grateful when Masood offers to help Liam with his schoolwork as a favour. When Masood suggests they meet later for a drink, Bianca teases Carol about her 'date'. Carol is disappointed when Masood only wants to talk about Liam's schoolwork. Masood catches on and suggests he cook for her tomorrow.