After two years as the tough no-nonsense matriarch Marie Fielding, Rita Simons has quit Hollyoaks.
The former EastEnders star confirmed the news on her social media channels, writing on Instagram that she’s going to be ‘saying bye bye’ to her Channel 4 soap counterpart in the autumn.
No, you’re crying.
‘Since Marie Fielding stepped into Hollyoaks village, she’s sufficiently messed up all her boys lives, Caused ALL the carnage and fallen off the wagon a few times…so her job here is done!,’ she said, alongside a few snaps from her time on the show.
‘On a personal note, when I first came to Liverpool I was still figuring out how find balance in my mind and body after a total hystorectomy (which was the best journey I ever went on in the end!).
‘This beautiful, welcoming city has healed me more than I can ever explain. I will always have such love for my second home and the wonderful people of Liverpool.
‘But now I feel strong, I can metaphorically walk on my own again, and I need to do just that. So It’s time to thank everyone at Hollyoaks for being the best tonic I could’ve asked for. But London and my true home is calling and I have to follow my heart. Gone are the days of not listening to my soul. So…Londons calling baby!’
Rita, 48, confirmed that – prior to her departure – there is more to come for Marie, promising audiences a ‘bit more carnage’.
The actress’ social media post comes after The Sun reported on news of her exit, with a source telling the publication that the ‘door is always open’ in terms of a possible comeback later down the line.
Metro has reached out to Hollyoaks for comment.
Following Rita’s casting in 2023, Marie made an explosive Hollyoaks debut in March 2024, clashing with Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) during her introductory scenes.
Marie is the mum of Joel Dexter (Rory Douglas-Speed), whose exit after 9 years was confirmed earlier this month.
Her son Abe (Tyler Conti), who abused Cleo McQueen (Nadine Mulkerrin), met a shocking end earlier this year at the hands of Jez Blake (Jeremy Sheffield) while third son Arlo (Dan Hough) bullied Ro Hutchinson (Ava Webster).
Following a time jump one year into the future, Marie enjoyed a short-lived relationship with Tony (Nick Pickard), who has started to fall for ex-wife Diane (Alex Fletcher).
Our verdict
Marie has proven a breath of fresh air during her time in the village, particularly during those early months when she settled into the matriarchal role at the Lomax household, proving a huge source of support and guidance for Joel and Leela Dexter (Kirsty Leigh-Porter) during their heartbreaking stillbirth story.
Rita Simons’ reputation as a phenomenal actress proceeds her due to her unforgettable stint as Roxy Mitchell in EastEnders and Marie’s trials and tribulations allowed her ample opportunities to showcase such skills on the Channel 4 soap, with storylines ranging from addiction to the character’s ardent belief in her kids, which – in a show that can often be brilliantly larger than life – made her so inherently real and believable.
She’ll certainly be missed.
Hollyoaks streams Mondays to Wednesdays from 6am on Channel 4’s streaming platform, or catch episodes on TV at 7pm on E4.
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