BBC EastEnders icon Rita Simons has confirmed she has quit Hollyoaks after just one year as Marie Fielding but fans are convinced she is returning to Walford as Roxy Mitchell
Rita Simons has revealed she’s set to bid farewell to Hollyoaks after a dramatic stint as Marie Fielding for just over a year.
The 48-year-old star took to social media to announce her departure from the Channel 4 drama this Autumn, sharing with fans: “Since Marie Fielding stepped into Hollyoaks village, she’s sufficiently messed up all her boys lives, Caused ALL the carnage and fallen off the wagon a few times…so her job here is done! ,’ she said, alongside a few snaps from her time on the show.”
Along with a collection of behind-the-scenes photos with her fellow cast members she opened up about her personal journey, saying: “On a personal note, when I first came to Liverpool I was still figuring out how find balance in my mind and body after a total hystorectomy (which was the best journey I ever went on in the end! ).”
Rita expressed her deep affection for Liverpool, stating, “This beautiful, welcoming city has healed me more than I can ever explain. I will always have such love for my second home and the wonderful people of Liverpool.”, reports the Manchester Evening News.
She continued, explaining her decision to leave: “But now I feel strong, I can metaphorically walk on my own again, and I need to do just that. So It’s time to thank everyone at Hollyoaks for being the best tonic I could’ve asked for. But London and my true home is calling and I have to follow my heart. Gone are the days of not listening to my soul. So…Londons calling baby!”.
Rita also teased what’s in store for her character, promising fans there’s still some “bit more carnage” to look forward to before she says her goodbyes.
Reports suggest that the door has been left ajar for Marie to make a comeback to the village, but fans are speculating that Rita might instead return to Albert Square as Roxy Mitchell.
On X, previously known as Twitter, one fan wrote: “I can’t believe Rita Simons is leaving #Hollyoaks … Wonder if this means an EastEnders Roxy return at some point though?”
Another chimed in: “She’s going back to EastEnders. ” A third person speculated: “Rita Simons quitting Hollyoaks only means one thing Roxy and Ronnie Mitchell rise from the dead challenge x.
“Another agreed: “Rita Simons has quit Hollyoaks… the Roxy Mitchell revival looms. ” A fifth suggested: “Can’t be a coincidence Rita Simons quits Hollyoaks just as Ben starts as producer of EastEnders.
“Soap enthusiasts will recall that Rita portrayed Roxy in the rival BBC soap opera from 2007 until the character tragically drowned in a hotel swimming pool alongside her sister Ronnie Mitchell (Samantha Womack) in 2017.
Fans have been clamouring for the Mitchell sisters to “return from the dead” for years and following the news that new executive producer Ben Wadey is bringing back Zoe Slater and Oscar Branning, some viewers are hoping for a Roxy and Ronnie comeback.
