For years I couldn't look at my face
New UK|January 23, 2023
Ex-EastEnders star Rita Simons opens up to new about her newfound confidence and the insecurities behind her decision to have a Cinderella facelift
GEMMA MCCARTNEY
For years I couldn't look at my face

Rita Simons has revealed astonishing undergoing results after a secret facelift. Opening up for the first time, the former EastEnders actress, 45, unveiled her look exclusively to new and told how she had developed sagging and"jowls" around her jawline as she's aged, which made a childhood scar more noticeable.

"I'm going public with it because it's helped my confidence so much," she said. "I wasn't ready to age and my jowls highlighted my scar even more. But I've done this for myself, it was purely personal." 

Dr Khan at London's Harley Street Skin Clinic

And she even admitted that she has avoided looking at her face for years because of her changing jawline. "I could feel the changes when I was washing my face," she told us. "I'm horrified at the before picture. I just wanted to feel like me again like my old self- and I do. I feel great again now. I feel like I can hold my head up high."

As Roxy with sister Ronnie (Sam Womack) In EastEnders

Rita, 45, feels so confident, that she's had her hair cut into a chic bob - something she would never have considered before, instead hiding behind her long hair.

"Cutting my hair is really symbolic - it means I've got nothing to hide," she admitted.

"I wouldn't have dreamed of cutting it short before, I didn't realise just how much I was hiding behind my hair. Having it short and not worrying what my jawline looks like is freeing."

On I'm A Celebrity in 2018

The half-hour procedure, known as a Cinderella lift, cost Rita £1,950 and takes just under an hour. Rita was reassured after having friends that have also undergone the procedure.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM NEW UKView all
'SECRETS DON'T STAY BURIED'
New UK

'SECRETS DON'T STAY BURIED'

Bad Sisters returns for a second series with the Garvey siblings in the spotlight again after the dismembered body of JP's father turns up

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
'I WAS KISSING HIM AND RUBBING HIS BELLY!'
New UK

'I WAS KISSING HIM AND RUBBING HIS BELLY!'

Interior Design Masters host Alan Carr chats about meeting Pudsey Bear, Simon Cowell's toilet paper and his own dubious home purchases

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VAPING
New UK

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VAPING

E-cigarettes have never been more popular, but vaping isn't as risk-free as people might think it is

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Teen murders mum then lures stepdad home to shoot him too
New UK

Teen murders mum then lures stepdad home to shoot him too

Carly Gregg fired her mum's gun as she searched her bedroom for drugs

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
'I took one huge gasp and ran in'
New UK

'I took one huge gasp and ran in'

Lifesaver Emily Greenwood tells new how she rescued two people swept out to sea

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
'Clair's married to the biggest fool'
New UK

'Clair's married to the biggest fool'

James and Clair Buckley on having fun at home and their hilarious new podcast

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Louise set for best year yet
New UK

Louise set for best year yet

As loved-up pop star Louise Redknapp celebrates her 50th birthday, a source tells new that marriage 'could be on the cards'

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
'Surprisingly, I quite like the muscle aches'
New UK

'Surprisingly, I quite like the muscle aches'

Jamie Borthwick reveals how he juggles filming for EastEnders alongside long rehearsal days on Strictly

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
It's been on my vision board - I've loved it'
New UK

It's been on my vision board - I've loved it'

Reality star Molly Smith on manifesting her new lingerie campaign and setting up home with boyfriend Tom Clare

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Chloe is ready to 'find happiness'
New UK

Chloe is ready to 'find happiness'

After her turbulent split from James Haskell, Chloe Madeley is learning to love herself again, a source tells new

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024