As the morning sun gently filtered through the curtains, Rita Simons sat sipping her coffee, contemplating her next move. For nearly twenty years, she had graced the screens of soap fans worldwide, from her iconic role as Roxy Mitchell on BBC’s EastEnders to her recent stint as Marie Fielding on Channel 4’s Hollyoaks. However, the actress was hinting at a new chapter during a recent appearance on Good Morning Britain, playfully teasing her upcoming soap role without revealing too much. Simons cryptically shared, “I’m not telling you. When I have something to tell you, I will tell you…Right now, I’m really having a lovely time not there [EastEnders] and I’m potentially going somewhere else!”
In a surprising turn of events, it was announced in July of this year that Simons had joined the cast of the Liverpool-based soap Hollyoaks. Despite the excitement surrounding her casting, fans would have to wait until March 2024 to see her on screen, as production shifts and changes behind-the-scenes delayed her debut. During an exclusive interview with Parade, Simons revealed the unexpected twist in her casting, explaining how she had originally been set to play Glynis Barber’s daughter on the show, only to have her role changed to the character of Marie Fielding, Warren Fox’s mother.
The transition to the role of Marie allowed Simons to explore a new dynamic within the show, keeping her character connected to Warren Fox in a different capacity. Following behind-the-scenes changes and reworked storylines, Simons bid farewell to Hollyoaks in October, as her character Marie made the decision to leave the village and start fresh at Brookside Close. Despite her departure, fans can still catch episodes featuring Simons’ memorable run on Hollyoaks on the show’s official YouTube channel.
With a career spanning nearly two decades in the soap opera world, Rita Simons continues to intrigue audiences with her versatility and talent. As she navigates new roles and challenges, one thing is certain – her presence on screen always leaves an impact, drawing viewers in with each and every performance.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.