Rita Simons, best known for her role as Roxy Mitchell in EastEnders, has reportedly joined the cast of rival soap Hollyoaks. According to reports, Simons has signed up for an undisclosed role in the popular Channel 4 soap and will make her on-screen debut later this year.

The actress previously left EastEnders in 2017 but made a brief return to the show earlier this year. Her upcoming role in Hollyoaks marks her return to soap acting after a brief hiatus. While details about her character in Hollyoaks remain under wraps, a source revealed that Simons’ new role will certainly create some drama and stir the pot among the characters in the soap.

In her recent return to EastEnders, Simons’ character appeared as a figment of her daughter’s imagination, following her character’s death. Simons clarified that she wouldn’t have agreed to return if she were asked to play a ghost. She explained that her character’s presence was portrayed as a figment of her daughter’s imagination, which allowed her to address mental health issues, a topic she is passionate about advocating for.

Simons also hinted that her character’s return to EastEnders could still be possible, as viewers never saw her character’s body after she and her sister drowned in a swimming pool. This leaves the door open for a potential comeback, “for the fans,” as she expressed her gratitude for their support and enthusiasm.

Fans of both EastEnders and Hollyoaks will now eagerly anticipate Rita Simons’ upcoming debut on the popular Channel 4 soap, where she is expected to bring her talent and add some fireworks to the show’s storyline.

Rita Simons is set to join the cast of Channel 4’s Hollyoaks after appearing on BBC EastEnders as recently as April