Let’s be real, Roxy had some of the worst decisions in soap history. Marrying Jack Branning? Dating her nephew? Come on, girl. What were you thinking?
But Rita sold every single bad choice. She made you root for Roxy, even when she was being a complete disaster. That’s a talent. You can’t teach that kind of charisma.
And the hair. Oh, the hair. That platinum blonde, slightly crimped, always-over-the-top mane became a character in its own right. It had more screen time than some of the extras.
EastEnders star Rita Simons: I've had panic attacks for years - Mirror
The Heartbreaking Exit
Then came 2017. They killed Roxy off. And Ronnie. In the same episode. In a hotel swimming pool. It was devastating, right? I still haven’t fully recovered.
Why would you do that? Two fan favorites, gone. The internet basically exploded. People were furious. I was furious. Were you?
Rita took it like a pro. She said the decision was "business." But let's be honest—it felt personal. Like losing a friend who always got too drunk at parties.
