Rita Simons is a well-known English actress who became a household name for her decade-long portrayal of Roxy Mitchell on the BBC soap opera EastEnders. Born on 10 March 1977, she turned 49 in 2026. After leaving Walford, she transitioned to a major role on Hollyoaks and continues to work in theatre. Her personal life also drew attention when she married Ben Harlow in September 2025.
Simons started her career in a girl group before moving into acting. Her most famous character, Roxy Mitchell, was killed off in a dramatic New Year’s Day episode in 2017. Since then, she has taken on new challenges, including a stint in the jungle on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! and a return to soaps with Hollyoaks. She remains one of Britain’s most recognised soap stars.
Who is Rita Simons and How Old is She?
Key Insights
- Rita Simons is best known for her 10-year role as Roxy Mitchell on EastEnders.
- She moved to Hollyoaks in 2024, playing Marie Fielding, marking a major soap comeback.
- Her career spans music (girl group Girls@Play), stage (West End theatre), and film (The Krays: Dead Man Walking).
- She married Ben Harlow in September 2025, after her previous marriage to Theo Silveston ended in divorce.
- Industry estimates place her net worth between £1.5 and £2 million.
- She has twin daughters, Jaimee Leah and Maiya Sammy Silveston, born in April 2006.
Key Facts About Rita Simons
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rita Joanne Simons |
| Date of Birth | 10 March 1977 |
| Birthplace | Essex, England (some sources say London) |
| Height | 5′ 4″ (1.63 m) |
| Current Spouse | Ben Harlow (m. September 2025) |
| Previous Spouse | Theo Silveston (m. 2006, div. 2020) |
| Children | 2 daughters (twins) |
| Famous Role | Roxy Mitchell, EastEnders |
| Other Notable Roles | Marie Fielding (Hollyoaks), Lisa Prescott (The Krays: Dead Man Walking) |
| Notable Award | 2008 National Television Award – Most Popular Newcomer |
What Movies and TV Shows Has Rita Simons Been In?
Rita Simons’ television career started in 2002 with a role on the Sky One drama Dream Team. She then landed the part that defined her career: Roxy Mitchell on EastEnders, a role she played from 2007 until her character’s death in 2017. After leaving the BBC soap, she appeared as a contestant on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2018 and took a voiceover role in the film The Krays: Dead Man Walking.
EastEnders (2007–2017)
Simons joined EastEnders as Roxy Mitchell, the younger sister of Ronnie Mitchell. The character became a fan favourite and was part of the Mitchell family. She and her on-screen sister were famously killed off together on New Year’s Day 2017 in a controversial storyline.
Hollyoaks (2024–2025)
In March 2024, Simons joined the cast of Hollyoaks as Marie Fielding, the mother of Joel Dexter. Her character remained until October 2025, leaving after the show’s 30th anniversary. The character’s exit saw her move to Brookside Close under an alias.
Rita Simons’ role as Marie Fielding in Hollyoaks was officially announced by the show and reported by Radio Times. She made her debut in March 2024.
Other Television and Film Appearances
- Dream Team (2002) – Her first acting role.
- I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! (2018) – Contestant, joined at age 41.
- The Krays: Dead Man Walking (2018) – Played Lisa Prescott; also provided voiceover work in 2019.
Theatre Career
Simons’ stage work includes playing Paulette Bonafonte in the UK/Ireland tour of Legally Blonde, Miss Hedge in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at London’s Apollo Theatre, and Caro Harcourt in the UK tour of The House in Cold Hill. She began her entertainment career as a member of the short-lived girl group Girls@Play.
Who is Rita Simons’ Husband and What is She Doing Now?
Rita Simons married Ben Harlow on 15 September 2025. This is her second marriage; her first was to hairdresser Theo Silveston in August 2006. The couple separated in late 2018 and Simons filed for divorce in August 2020. She has twin daughters, Jaimee Leah and Maiya Sammy Silveston, from her marriage to Silveston.
Current Projects and Net Worth
Since leaving Hollyoaks in October 2025, Simons has focused on theatre appearances. As of mid‑2026, no major new TV roles have been announced, but her recent stage credits include Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and The House in Cold Hill. Her net worth is estimated at £1.5–£2 million, based on her long soap tenure and theatre work.
No official figure is publicly confirmed. The £1.5–£2 million estimate comes from industry reports referencing her 10‑year EastEnders salary and ongoing acting work.
How Long Was Rita Simons in EastEnders and When Did She Join Hollyoaks?
- 1977 – Born in Essex.
- 2002 – First acting role on Dream Team.
- 2007 – Begins playing Roxy Mitchell on EastEnders.
- 2017 – Character killed off; leaves EastEnders after 10 years.
- 2018 – Appears on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! and stars in The Krays: Dead Man Walking.
- 2024 (March) – Joins Hollyoaks as Marie Fielding.
- 2025 (September) – Marries Ben Harlow.
- 2025 (October) – Departs Hollyoaks.
Has Rita Simons Ever Appeared on Coronation Street?
No credible source confirms that Rita Simons has ever appeared on Coronation Street. The question likely arises from confusion with other actors or a hypothetical fan query. Her major soap roles remain EastEnders and Hollyoaks.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| She played Roxy Mitchell on EastEnders (2007–2017). | Whether she will reprise the role in future flashbacks or revivals. |
| She played Marie Fielding on Hollyoaks (2024–2025). | Any concrete plans for her next television role. |
| She married Ben Harlow in September 2025. | Details about potential future reality TV or documentary appearances. |
| She has no known role on Coronation Street. | Whether she has ever been approached for the soap. |
Why Did Rita Simons Leave EastEnders?
Rita Simons’ character Roxy Mitchell was killed off in a storyline devised by the show’s producers. The death occurred on New Year’s Day 2017, alongside her on-screen sister Ronnie Mitchell, played by Samantha Womack. The decision was a creative one and marked the end of a major Mitchell family era on the soap. Simons has since moved on to other projects, including Hollyoaks and stage work.
What Do Credible Sources Say About Rita Simons?
“Rita Joanne Simons (born 10 March 1977) is an English actress and singer.”
Her IMDb profile lists her as known for EastEnders, The Krays: Dead Man Walking, and Dream Team. Industry news from Digital Spy and official soap announcements have confirmed her role in Hollyoaks and her award wins, including the 2008 National Television Award for Most Popular Newcomer. Her marriage to Ben Harlow is listed on IMDb’s biography.
What is Rita Simons Doing Now?
As of mid‑2026, Rita Simons is focusing on theatre performances after leaving Hollyoaks in October 2025. She has no confirmed new television projects but remains active on stage. Her recent marriage to Ben Harlow marks a new personal chapter. For similar updates on other British actors, read our profile on Eve Myles – Full Biography, Filmography and 2025 Projects.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rita Simons
What is Rita Simons’ net worth?
Exact figure is not publicly confirmed, but industry estimates place it between £1.5 and £2 million, based on her long‑running soap career and theatre work.
Does Rita Simons have Instagram?
Yes, her Instagram handle is @rita_simonsofficial with around 523,000 followers.
Who did Rita Simons play in Dream Team?
She played a character named ‘Rita’ in the Sky One drama series.
Is Rita Simons related to any other actors?
She is not known to be related to other prominent actors. Her uncle is businessman and TV personality Lord Alan Sugar.
Does Rita Simons have children?
Yes, she has twin daughters, Jaimee Leah and Maiya Sammy Silveston, born in April 2006.
What is Rita Simons’ height?
She is 5′ 4″ (1.63 m). In 2008 she was diagnosed with scoliosis, which made her 2 cm shorter than expected.
Amelia Grant is Local Government Editor at RegionalReport.co.uk, covering council decisions, regional public policy, combined authorities, planning, housing and transport.