Former EastEnders star Rita Simons has admitted it’s ‘time to move on’ from Hollyoaks after having what she said was the ‘most iconic exit’.

The actress is best known for playing the role of Roxy Mitchell on EastEnders, introduced alongside her onscreen sister Ronnie Mitchell, played by Samantha Womack, in 2007

Fans were left devastated in 2017 when the Mitchell sisters drowned in a swimming pool just hours after Ronnie finally married Jack Branning.

With the BBC soap’s fanbase demanding their return for many years, Rita joined rival soap Hollyoaks, which airs on Channel 4, in 2024.

Rita was cast in the role of Marie Fielding, the mother of Joel Dexter (Rory Douglas-Speed), Abe Fielding (Tyler Conti), and Arlo Fielding (Dan Hough).

On Wednesday night (October 29), fans saw Marie deciding to move to Brookside, where she is welcomed by Billy Corkhill, played by John McArdle.

The writing was on the wall for Marie after it emerged that she faked her pregnancy in a bid to extort money from former flame Tony Hutchinson (Nick Pickard).

Maria’s move to Brookside arrives after the axed Channel 4 soap returned to the small screen this month for a one-off crossover with Hollyoaks, marking the show’s 30th anniversary.

Following Brookside’s conclusion on November 4, 2003, Hollyoaks took over as Channel 4’s flagship continuing drama.

Addressing her exit, Marie said: “I’ve loved every second of playing Marie… From her questionable parenting choices to her excessive partying.

“Spending these last two years in Liverpool with the wonderful cast and crew of Hollyoaks has been full of love and support, but sadly it’s time to move on… I will miss everyone in the village, especially my boys, Rory, Tyler and Dan.

“Also, I want to thank (executive producer) Hannah Cheers for giving me the most iconic exit… Brookside Close better watch out. You never know in the world of soap.”

The episode also saw Marie come clean to her son Arlo about faking her pregnancy and lying to him about Cleo McQueen agreeing to give them her newborn baby.

Diane Hutchinson (Alex Fletcher) was shocked to find Marie holding the child in the hospital and supported her in leaving for Brookside, where she starts her new life with Arlo.

Rita left her fans stunned when she revealed in an Instagram post in June that she would be leaving Hollyoaks to go back to London.

She said: “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!

“I’m going to be saying bye bye in the autumn. 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.”

She continued: “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… London’s calling baby! but before she goes, Marie has a bit more carnage and a few laughs to unleash on the village…so until then …Thank you all for all the love and support you’ve always shown me no matter what fictional town I end up in! Where to next!!? Marie ..over and out! (Not quite yet!).”