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
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
Music career and early acting work
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
In December 2009, Simons visited her old secondary school, Watford Grammar School for Girls, to open the Christmas fair.[5]
Personal life
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
Other websites
