Rita Simons has announced she’s also departing ‘Eastenders’, alongside on-screen sister Samantha Womack. Simons has played Roxy Mitchell on Albert Square since she was introduced with sister Ronnie 2007 and the pair are set to go out with a bang.

Rita Simons and Samantha WomackRita Simons has confirmed she will be leaving ‘Eastenders’ along with Samantha Womack

A BBC spokesperson told MailOnline: “We can confirm that Rita Simons will be leaving EastEnders. Having joined the show in 2007, Rita immediately won the hearts of the audience in the role of Roxy Mitchell and between her and Samantha Womack they created one of the most iconic duos EastEnders has ever seen."

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“Alongside Samantha, Rita was recently offered to take part in the same big storyline that will see the Mitchell sisters depart Walford, but we will not be releasing any further details at this time. We wish Rita all the best for the future.”

On Twitter the actress thanked fans for their support over the years. “Thanku guys 4 all the continued love & support u have shown me (and Roxy) over the years. I'm so grateful for my time on EE. Love to u all,” Simons tweeted. “As the saying goes 'Mitchell sisters..together forever' @Sam_Womack Haaaaa you're stuck with me sis!’”

Over the weekend ‘Eastenders’ bosses confirmed that Samantha Womack would be leaving the show, after The Sun reported she had been offered a massive exit storyline by new boss Sean O’Connor.

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According to the newspaper Womack “jumped at the chance” to bow out of the soap in a big way. An insider said: “It was felt that with everything Ronnie has been through over the past nine years, it is now time to rest the character.”