Soap opera legend Rita Simons has confirmed she has filmed her final scenes for Hollyoaks.
The former EastEnders actress, 48, who is best known for playing Roxy Mitchell in the BBC show, headed up North for a role in the fictional Chester village last year.
Taking over the part of Marie Fielding in the Channel 4 teatime staple, she’s been at the centre of several huge storylines.
She initially confirmed her exit earlier in the year, taking to Instagram to spread the news.
‘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.
‘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 hysterectomy (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 wraps filming on Hollyoaks
It’s expected that Rita will depart during the upcoming Hollyoaks 30th Anniversary celebrations.
Pictures taken by fans have shown her on the set of Brookside – meaning that her character will likely be tied in someway to the crossover episode between the two soaps.
Either that or she’s just gone along to take a trip down memory lane!
On social media yesterday she shared a number of recent snaps, writing: ‘There’s nothing more I can post here without giving away spoilers for @hollyoaksofficial 30th anniversary ep!
‘I will when I can! …but it’s looking incredible! And that’s a wrap for me. Thank you gorgeous @hannahrcheers (executive producer) and co for having me! It’s been a joy.’
Rita’s Hollyoaks highlights
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.
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Marie is the mum of Joel Dexter (Rory Douglas-Speed), who is set to return next week.
Her other 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).
Meanwhile, youngest child Arlo (Dan Hough) subjected Ro Hutchinson (Ava Webster) to transphobic abuse.
Following a time jump one year into the future, Marie enjoyed a short-lived relationship with Tony (Nick Pickard), who then started to fall for ex-wife Diane (Alex Fletcher).
