‘I needed to leave’: Rita Simmons explains why she’s allowed Roxy Mitchell to be killed off in EastEnders
She said she took a leap of faith quitting the soap but it was the right thing to do
EASTENDERS star Rita Simons said quitting the soap was a tough decision but she knew she had to go.
Rita has starred as Roxy Mitchell for almost a decade but in August she announced she was leaving the Square.
Her news came just days after actress Samantha Womack, who stars as her on-screen sister Ronnie.
The pair have been written out in a joint departure that bosses have said will be an “explosive” storyline expected to play out over the New Year.
And speaking to the Herts & Essex Observer, the actress said: “"It was mutual, for a start, so you know, I wanted to go. A new boss came in, he wanted us to go, which we were all happy with.
"I had to get out of there, it was weird. I knew I had to get out of there because as an actor I needed to spread my wings."
But she said despite what happens, she will also stay close to her TV family and added: "All this lot here, they're my family, so it's really hard to break away when you are so attached to your cast members, but I knew I had to go.
"So when [the new producer] came to me with the idea I was ready to take it - I thought this is the kick up the bum I needed to go. So I have to just take a leap of faith and, yes, it's a big thing for a soap actor, but I have faith. I'll be best mates with them 'til the end."
Not that Rita will be worrying about work as she’s just landed the role of manicurist Paulette in the touring production of the popular West End show Legally Blonde: The Musical which she starts next year.
In the meantime, she is currently starring as the Wicked Queen in Snow White and the Seven Dwarves in the St Alban’s pantomime at the city’s Alban Arena until January 8.
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