Interview Extra | Rita Simons, EastEnders

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Rita Simons
EastEnders

31 January

We spoke to Rita Simons, aka EastEnders' Roxy Mitchell, about the courtroom battle between Roxy and Jack over custody of their daughter Amy — and how she still misses her onscreen sister, Sam Womack, who played Ronnie…

EastEnders It seemed really harsh that Jack got custody of Amy because he’s never been the best dad has he?
It did. It’s given me the sympathy vote anyway, because he never showed an interest in Amy before, and suddenly he wants her — he’s got a cheek, quite frankly! But Roxy blames herself about the whole Amy thing [when Amy almost drowned in the bath while left unattended by Ben Mitchell]. She knows that if she hadn’t gone out it would never have happened, and Jack wouldn’t have tried to get Amy off her.

But we’ve all left our baby with a couple of 16-year-olds for five minutes…
I haven’t! I wouldn’t dream of it, quite frankly! Having said that, although I might not choose to do it, there’s nothing wrong with it. I don’t think Roxy was ever a bad mother — she just needed some adult company. It was a bit of a misread situation.

Who would you pair Roxy up with in Albert Square? EastEnders
Well, obviously I suppose Alfie. Everyone wants Alfie and Roxy together don’t they? Or David Wicks could come back and marry her and walk off into the distance and that would be that! Michael French is such a good actor, I was watching the Christmas Day episode, and considering he hasn’t been here for years it was amazing, he is so talented. And gorgeous! But if was going to be anyone on the Square it would probably be Alfie because they’re really well suited.

What’s coming up next for Roxy?
Lots and lots, hence I’m really tired. But I can’t say what any of it is, and no, it doesn’t majorly involve children and custody storylines.

Do you still miss Sam Womack (who played Roxy’s sister, Ronnie)?
Immensely. It’s like a different show to work on now. We were together constantly, eating together, in and out of each other’s dressing rooms, going to each other’s houses, going out, and suddenly the dynamic has changed. Luckily, I’ve got fabulous friends here. But I do miss her, and I hope she comes back to EastEnders. I went to see her in South Pacific and she was amazing. I had her daughter on my lap, and her mum next to me, and I was sat there crying!

Martina Fowler