Bravely sharing her story just days after having a hysterectomy, former EastEnders star Rita Simons reveals her recovery will not just be physical but emotional, too.
Speaking exclusively to OK!, the 45-year-old admits that while she knew the op was the right thing to do – ending years of suffering – she felt she was being robbed of her femininity, as well as the chance to be a mum again.
“As a woman, we often take for granted that you can get pregnant and then when you are not able to and the choice is taken away...” Rita trails off.
Already mum to twin girls Jaimee and Maiya, 16, she did not consider having more children when she got together with her partner Ben Harlow before lockdown in 2020. She instead focused on enjoying the new lease of life he gave her after feeling low following her divorce.
“It’s a really strange thing because you don’t think you’d be that bothered until you’re in that situation, and then suddenly you’re like, ‘What if I do want kids in five years?’” she says candidly.
“Ben knows... he’s not stupid and he knows it upsets me that, as a woman, I’m not able to become pregnant any more and I think, being so sweet, he wouldn’t have dared say, ‘But I want kids!’ He knows what those conversations meant and he knows it meant potentially, in the future, we could have, but that it’s completely off the table.”
It was in the early months of their relationship that Rita decided to speak to a consultant about her debilitating and irregular periods, which affected her ability to work and had also been causing spikes in her OCD and anxiety.
Esta historia es de la edición January 30, 2023 de OK! UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición January 30, 2023 de OK! UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Savoury saviours
Get ahead with simple spicy suppers from Nadiya Hussain
RECIPES FOR SUCCESS - I want to share the way I cook and the way I eat'
Chef Nadiya Hussain on the money-saving cooking tips and vital life skills that she teaches her children.
THE WILD ONE - Nobody tried to change me that was who I am
Rock star Suzi Quatro on leading the way for women, being true to herself and her 60th anniversary tour
CELEBRITIES PUT ON THE GLITZ FOR TV'S BIGGEST NIGHT
Famous faces gathered at the National Television Awards last week to celebrate the best of Britain's TV talent
IN THE PINK - I feel like myself again now I'm back in the Strictly family'
After documenting her brutal cancer journey, Strictly favourite Amy Dowden shares her joy at returning to the dance floor
STYLE COUNSEL - My friendships are one of my greatest successes'
As stylist Gok Wan celebrates his milestone birthday, he reflects on his personal losses, biggest achievements and plans for the future
STEP BACK IN TIME - STARS ENJOY A DAY AT THE RACES
A host of celebrities attended the Goodwood Revival festival last week to see the classic cars and fabulous retro fashions
GOOD CLEAN FUN - 'I really like to organise things I find it therapeutic'
Sort Your Life Out presenter Stacey Solomon on how tidying up helps her shut out anxious thoughts, the reason she only shares happy memories on social media, and why it's husband Joe Swash who puts out the bins
SHINING BRIGHT - KATE'S MESSAGE OF HOPE
Her emotional health update video made it clear that the Princess of Wales' family comes first, says former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond.
My family will always be my main priority'
Model and actress Caprice invites OK! into her stylish home to talk about fame and why nothing beats being with her kids.