Actress Who Played Roxy In Eastenders

Right, grab your cuppa, because we need to talk about Roxy Mitchell. You know the one. The eternal party girl with the heart of gold and the worst taste in men. Who played her, and where did she go? Let’s spill the tea.

Her name is Rita Simons. And honestly? She was perfect casting. I mean, could you imagine anyone else striding into the Square, all leopard print and vodka shots? No chance.

The Gal Behind the Glitter

Rita is a Londoner, born and bred. She wasn't some actress who trained for years at RADA—she was a singer and dancer first. That explains the insane energy she brought to the role, doesn’t it?

Before Walford, she was in a girl band. A proper one, with choreography and everything. So when Roxy grabbed the mic in the Vic, that wasn't acting. That was muscle memory.

The Big Break

She landed the part of Roxy in 2007, alongside her on-screen sister Ronnie. The chemistry was instant. It was like they'd been sisters their whole lives. That's the magic of good casting, I guess.

The Mitchell sisters were a force of nature. Roxy was the loud, impulsive one. Ronnie was the brooding, tragic one. It was a brilliant dynamic that kept us hooked for years.

The Drama and the Hair

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.

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.

Life After Walford

So, what’s Rita done since? She didn’t vanish into a black hole, thankfully. She went back to her roots: music and stage. She toured with a show called Legally Blonde. She played Paulette—the sassy hairdresser. Perfect casting again.

She also did reality TV. She was on Dancing on Ice. And honestly? She was terrifying on those skates. That fearless Roxy energy was fully on display. Remember that fall? I winced.

She’s a mum too, to twin girls. Imagine having Rita Simons as your mum. Your school bake sales must be legendary. She probably shows up in a sequined apron.

The Rumors and The Future

Now, the big question: will Roxy ever come back? Soap characters never really die, do they? They just have "unresolved business" and "miraculous recoveries."

Rita has said she wouldn't say no. But she’s also hinted that the show hasn't called. Which is a shame. Because Walford is a bit less sparkly without her.

Imagine her turning up at the Vic. "Alright, slaaaags!" The whole pub would lose its mind. It would be the greatest soap comeback since Dirty Den.

Until then, we have the reruns. And the memes. And the eternal question: "What would Roxy do?" The answer is always: buy another round, and definitely wear the sequin dress.

So here’s to Rita Simons. The woman who made us laugh, cringe, and cry. She gave us a character we loved to watch melt down on a weekly basis. And honestly, that’s a gift.

Now, go rewatch the episode where she throws a drink over Phil. You’re welcome.