Rita Simons
Rita Simons | |
|---|---|
 Simons in 2016 | |
| Born | Rita Joanne Simons 10 March 1977 Whipps Cross, London, England |
| Other names | Rita Silveston |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 2000–present |
| Known for | Roxy Mitchell on EastEnders (2007–2017, 2019, 2023) |
| Television | Mile High Dream Team London's Burning EastEnders I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! Hollyoaks |
| Spouse |
Theo Silveston
(m. 2004; sep. 2018) |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Alan Sugar (uncle) |
Rita Joanne Simons (born 10 March 1977) is an English actress and singer. She is best known for portraying the role of Roxy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera EastEnders from 2007 to 2017, when her character was killed off, alongside her on screen character's sister Ronnie Mitchell (Samantha Womack). For her performance on the show Simons received many accolades, including the 2008 National Television Award for Most Popular Newcomer.
Early life
[change | change source]Simons was born on 10 March 1977 at Whipps Cross University Hospital in Whipps Cross, Leytonstone, London to Susan (née Franks) and Mark Simons.[1] Both of her parents are Jewish. She has an older brother, Ben. Through her paternal aunt's marriage, Simons is the niece of billionaire businessman Lord Sugar.[2]
Career
[change | change source]Music career and early acting work
[change | change source]Before her acting career, Simons was in the group Girls@Play, who had a couple of hit singles before splitting up. Their songs included "Airhead" and a cover of Mel and Kim's "Respectable".[3] Simons then joined a different group called Charli with three other members, including Shar from the Paradiso Girls, and released a single titled "Feel Me".[4]
Simons made appearances in the Sky 1 dramas Dream Team (2002) and Mile High (2003; as Hannah), as well as the ITV drama London's Burning.[2]
Charity work
[change | change source]In December 2009, Simons visited her old secondary school, Watford Grammar School for Girls, to open the Christmas fair.[5]
Personal life
[change | change source]In August 2004, she married hairdresser Theo Silveston.[6] They have twin daughters. The couple separated in 2018.
Simons is best friends with co-star Samantha Womack, who played her on-screen sister Ronnie Mitchell.[7] She is also good friends with Danniella Westbrook, who played her on-screen cousin Sam Mitchell.
References
[change | change source]- ↑ "Rita Simons". Archived from the original on 20 April 2021. Retrieved 28 August 2023 – via PressReader.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Samantha Janus lands EastEnders role". Digital Spy. 11 May 2007. Retrieved 4 August 2007.
- ↑ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 228. ISBN 978-1-904994-10-7.
- ↑ "'Charli' Music Video W Shar From The Paradiso Girls!". YouTube. 26 January 2010. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 15 May 2012.
- ↑ "Watford Grammar School For Girls" (PDF). Watford Grammar School For Girls. December 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 August 2010. Retrieved 17 October 2010.
- ↑ Neil, Beth (30 April 2008). "EastEnders Roxy on being a mum and the Square's biggest slapper". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
- ↑ Shields, Danielle (25 August 2016). "Soap stars who are BFFs in real life – Sam Womack and Rita Simons set to exit EastEnders together". OK!. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
Other websites
[change | change source]
- Rita Simons on IMDb
- Rita Simons discography at Discogs
