When producers informed Rita Simons and on-screen sister, Samantha Womack, that Roxy and Ronnie were to be written out in dramatic fashion, she admits it was a sudden blow, with all the fears for the future leaving a secure dream job brings.
‘We had both talked about leaving for a long time, but never really had the guts,’ explains Rita about her initial reaction. ‘Then we got told we were being killed, it was like, “Right then, we’ll get out coats”.’
The pair met a frustrating end for fans, who saw them drown in a swimming pool on Ronnie’s wedding day entangled in their bridal dresses, but anxieties soon vanished as she found herself in demand by directors.
‘It was a shock, yes, so I’m not going to say I’m glad, but it’s been a fabulous thing to get out there and spread my wings. It’s given me a massive boost in a new part of my career,’ confides Rita.
‘I have not stopped. When I say back to back, I even flew from the I’m a Celebrity jungle straight into pantomime last year, (as Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty), and opened jetlagged in Bournemouth the next day. Then I was rehearsing my next play, (The House on Cold Hill) while doing panto, and then that went on tour.
Rita was born in East London’s Whipps Cross Hospital and has plenty of fond memories of Essex after living in Ilford as a child, where her Apprentice star uncle, Lord Alan Sugar, famously sent his eldest son to work in McDonalds when he asked him for pocket money.
Denne historien er fra November 2019-utgaven av Essex Life.
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Denne historien er fra November 2019-utgaven av Essex Life.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
The rise of maskne
With the term ‘maskne’ becoming an increasingly common search online and on social media, Krystal Prince explains what it is and how you can control mask-induced acne
The forgotten lady
Charlotte Christie shares the life story of Anne Knight, an Essex pioneer for the abolition of slavery and women’s suffrage who’s achievements have almost been air-brushed from history
Stride out in the Sampfords
This charming, circular winter walk takes you on a tour from the village of Great Sampford to its neighbour, Little Sampford, and back again
MUCH TO TALK ABOUT
As a presenter on Sky Music and the host of two TV talk shows of her own on Gidea Park-based Sky channel Spotlight TV, Hayley Palmer is never short of words. Nicky Adams asks her how she came to be in front of the camera
LIFE and SOUL
Radio 1 broadcaster and producer Charlie Hedges began her career as Britain’s youngest breakfast show host and is now one of the world’s most successful female DJs. Denise Marshall caught up with the Essex-based queen of the air waves
Lest we forget
Remembrance Sunday will have a special poignance this month as 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. Stephen Roberts profiles how much the county of Essex contributed to the war effort and how much it cost
Lakeside Magic
The Lake House, nestled in Mill End on the outskirts of the village of Bradwell on Sea, has been owned by the same family for 60 years and was once a thriving four-buoy water-ski lake.
Keep on running
BBC presenter and director David Whiteley shares his insightful view on stories from across the county of Essex
Cheers!
Starting to get that festive vibe? Why not plan ahead by selecting not only the drinks you want to serve this Christmas, but also ticking off a few presents too?
A doggy day out on… Saffron Walden
Join Ernie, the county’s most famous Westie, as he steps back in time on a trip to this medieval market town
