EastEnders’ Rita Simons reveals major surgery after ‘difficult conversation’ with her doctor
RITA Simons has revealed she underwent major surgery after having a "difficult conversation" with her doctor.
Earlier this month the 45-year-old actress told fans she'd had a £2000 Cinderella facelift.
Now the former EastEnders star has opened up about having a total radical hysterectomy after debilitating periods and hormones caused a spike in her OCD and anxiety.
Recalling the conversation with her doctor, Rita said: "The doctor said, ‘The only option is to remove everything'."
Sharing her heartbreak at being unable to have more children because of the operation, she added to : "Health comes first.
"I feel like it’s all been an attack on my femininity but my good mental health is good for my kids, it’s good for [her partner] Ben."
Rita is currently recovering after having her cervix, womb and ovaries removed and is being supported by boyfriend Ben Harlow.
She continued: "I’ve been to hell and back and round the block again, and I’m pretty sure if it wasn’t for Ben I wouldn’t be where I am today."
Discussing her decision to have a Cinderella facelift, Rita confessed last week she wanted to combat ageing.
She said: "I’m horrified at the before picture. I just wanted to feel like me again – like my old self – and I do.
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"I feel great again now. I feel like I can hold my head up high.”